At least two people are dead and it appears likely that number will rise as the day goes on – in the wake of a blaze that apparently began just after midnight at the Jackson County Park in Scottsboro.

Emergency personnel was dispatched to a report of a boat fire around 12:40am at the dock near KC’s BBQ; just moments later several boats were in flames, and before long, 19 B-Dock  was destroyed along with a total of 35 boats. 

Law Enforcement has reportedly confirmed to WHNT Channel 19 two fatalities thus far and a total of seven people have been taken to Highlands Medical Center, where they all remain in stable condition.  Reportedly, eight people are still unaccounted for.

In a Press Conference, Scottsboro Fire & Rescue Chief Gene Necklaus stated presently there are multiple dive teams using sonar to help in what is now being called a recovery effort.

He said any potential chemical spill has been contained and the destroyed boats either sank in their berths or floated into the lake; he added that at last count 19 agencies responded to the scene with many others offering assistance.

The Jackson County Emergency Management Agency has asked the public to avoid all land and water areas around Jackson County Park until further notice.

(Southern Torch/www.southerntorch.com/WHNT Channel 19/www.whnt.com)