GADSDEN– Gadsden firefighters encountered a dangerous combination of flames, natural gas, and downed power lines while responding to a large outbuilding fire Wednesday night.
The Gadsden Fire Department said a large tree had fallen onto the outbuilding, crushing the structure and pulling electrical lines down around it. According to the department, the fallen lines then ignited natural gas inside the building.
The homeowners safely evacuated a nearby residence. Officials reported no injuries.
Crews Arrive to Find Building Fully Involved
The Fire Department said crews arrived to find the large outbuilding fully involved in fire. Responding units included Engine 1, Rescue 1, Quint 4, Engine 8, the EMS chief, and Battalion Chief 2.
However, firefighters faced more than the burning building. The fallen tree, damaged structure, downed power lines, and burning natural gas created several immediate threats.
The department described the scene as a “dangerous combination of fire, gas, and electrical hazards.” Those conditions hampered firefighting operations and prevented crews from immediately beginning a full attack on the fire.
Before firefighters could safely move forward, they needed the natural gas supply shut off. They also needed confirmation that the fallen electrical lines no longer carried power.
Until utility personnel addressed those dangers, firefighters had to work around hazards that could threaten crews approaching the burning structure. The damaged building and fallen tree further complicated access to the fire.
Utility Companies Work Alongside Firefighters
Spire Gas and Alabama Power responded to the scene and worked alongside the Gadsden Fire Department to eliminate the utility hazards.
Personnel shut off the natural gas, removing one of the dangers confronting firefighters. Meanwhile, Alabama Power inspected the downed electrical lines and confirmed that they were no longer energized.
Once utility crews made the scene safe, Gadsden firefighters were able to move in, attack the fire, and extinguish it.
Alabama Power remained at the scene after firefighters brought the blaze under control. The company also brought in additional personnel to restore electrical service throughout the neighborhood.
Department Highlights Dangers Firefighters Faced
The Gadsden Fire Department said the incident demonstrates the challenges firefighters can encounter before they can even begin fighting a fire.
In this case, crews could not focus solely on extinguishing the burning outbuilding. They first had to contend with an unstable, tree-damaged structure and the simultaneous threats posed by natural gas and downed electrical lines.
The response also showed why coordination between firefighters and utility companies is critical during emergencies involving gas or electricity. Fire crews depend on trained utility personnel to shut off gas supplies and determine whether fallen power lines remain energized.
The department thanked Spire Gas and Alabama Power for their quick response and assistance. Fire officials said the companies’ work helped protect firefighters and allowed crews to safely proceed with extinguishing the blaze.
Despite the severe damage to the outbuilding and the dangerous conditions surrounding the response, everyone escaped without injury.
All Photos From Gasden Fire Department:
RELATED ARTICLES:
Gadsden Firefighter Memorial Honors Three Lost in 1976 Explosion 50 Years Later
You must be logged in to post a comment.