Atlanta Couple Visiting Noccalula Falls Discovers House Fire

GADSDEN — A GPS mistake and a weekend visit to Gadsden may have helped prevent a house fire from becoming much worse in the Alabama City area.

A couple from the Atlanta area was visiting Noccalula Falls Park for the Spring Lantern Festival over the weekend. After visiting Sunday evening, the pair stayed in town and decided to return to the area Monday to see the park during the daytime.

While attempting to locate a destination, an incorrect entry into their GPS directed them to Wilson Drive, where the road ends in a cul-de-sac. As they turned around, Hunter Floyd noticed smoke coming from a nearby home and realized the house was on fire.

Floyd immediately sent the woman traveling with him to alert neighbors, who quickly called 911. Floyd then removed his shirt and entered the burning home to check if anyone inside needed assistance. WEIS Radio spoke with Floyd while firefighters were working:

Neighbors contacted emergency services, and the Gadsden Fire Department responded to the call, which was received at approximately 3:30 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find smoke visible from the residence.
Due to the quick notification from Floyd and neighbors, along with the rapid response from firefighters, crews were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire. According to fire officials, the blaze had been burning for some time and was mostly smoldering when crews arrived.

The fire caused approximately 10 percent damage to the home, primarily from smoke and heat. Officials said the damage could have been significantly worse without the early alert and fast response.
Firefighters determined that no one was inside the residence at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians. Crews cleared the scene and returned to service at approximately 4:45 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Gadsden Police Department also responded to assist at the scene, and Alabama Power was called to disconnect electrical service to the residence.