Southside Area Home Damaged in Kitchen Fire 

SOUTHSIDE — A Friday afternoon structure fire on Burns Street resulted in damage to a home and the loss of a family pet, according to the Southside Fire Department.

The fire occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. on April 17 when an off-duty responder spotted smoke and alerted authorities. Units including Engine 1, Squad 1, Rainbow City Fire Department, Whorton Bend Fire Department, Southside Police Department, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit, and A-Med Ambulance Service were dispatched to the scene.

Engine 1 arrived within approximately three minutes and reported a working fire. Fire crews made entry with four personnel and were able to quickly contain the blaze to the kitchen area, preventing further spread throughout the residence.

Authorities confirmed that no people were inside the home at the time of the fire and no injuries to people were reported. Working smoke alarms were present in the residence.

Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts by medics, Southside Police, and Dr. Abby Buckner of Gadsden Veterinary Associates Emergency Care, the family’s dog died from smoke inhalation after approximately 40 to 45 minutes of lifesaving attempts.

Officials said the fire appears to have been accidental in nature.

The Southside Fire Department extended condolences to the family and asked the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.