Units from McCord’s, Spring Creek, and Ellisville Fire Departments along with Floyd EMS were dispatched to a report of a structure and wildland fire at an address on County Road 221 in the McCord’s Crossroads Community Sunday afternoon.

The call came out at approximately 1:20pm. McCord’s Assistant Fire Chief Barry Rogers, Jr. was among the first to arrive and reported one outbuilding heavily involved, approximately ½ acre of woods and grass on fire, and multiple other structures endangered. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the blaze under control without damage to other buildings. Chief Rogers accredited this success to a very quick response by all. The fire started from a controlled burn that got out of hand.

Due to abnormally dry conditions, McCord’s Fire Department and others within the county have seen an increase in fires over the last two weeks. Chief Rich Lindsey wants to take this opportunity to remind everyone to avoid outdoor burning if possible. If you must burn, there are a few simple rules you should follow to keep everyone safe and protect yours and you neighbor’s property:

* Anyone conducting outdoor burning should have adequate tools, equipment, and manpower to stay with and control the fire the entire period that it is active to ensure that it doesn’t escape.

* State law requires that you obtain a permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) before you burn any woodland, grassland, field, or new ground that is over one-quarter acre in size or lies within 25 feet of natural fuels, such as woods or grass. You can contact the AFC at 800-390-5679.

* It is also a good idea to notify your local fire department if you are conducting a controlled burn. You may do that be calling Cherokee County Central Dispatch at 256-927-3938.

* Most importantly, remember that anyone who starts a fire is responsible for any damage that is produced as a result of that fire!