At approximately 2:00 pm the Piedmont Fire Department responded to a possible residential structure fire near Vigo Rd, and Crimson Tide Drive in Piedmont. Upon arrival fire fighters located a house on fire with additional structures also engulfed in flames. 

Fire Chief Mike Ledbetter advised that when they arrived and exited their trucks, they could already feel the heat from the buildings and see a lot of heavy smoke. The main house on the property was burning as was a house trailer, a garage, and a vehicle. Chief Ledbetter went on to say that due to the size of the fire and the heavy winds they were experiencing they requested assistance from neighboring fire departments. Spring Garden Fire Department, Ellisville Fire Department, McCords Fire Department, and Centre Fire Department all send additional equipment and firefighters. 

Chief Ledbetter said they used their “deluge hose” to combat the fire. This apparatus is a large hose attached to the ladder truck enabling firefighters to deploy a lot of water over a broad area. In addition to utilizing their ladder truck firefighters from all departments were able to work together quickly and get the fire “knocked down” within just a couple of hours. Chief Ledbetter further advised that they are still on scene putting out any hotspots and to ensure the fire does not reignite. 

Chief Ledbetter was relieved to find that no one was home or on the property at the time of the fire and the residents are all safe and accounted for. He also wanted to thank the Spring Garden Fire Department, Ellisville Fire Department, Centre Fire Department, and McCords Fire Department for all the assistance they provided. The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time. 

(INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE CALHOUN COUNTY JOURNAL)