CENTRE– Highway 411 fires brought six fire departments and additional emergency agencies to Cherokee County Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 29.
The grass and brush fires spread along U.S. Highway 411 between the Alabama-Georgia state line and County Road 45. According to an eyewitness, sparks came from a vehicle during a tow to a scrap yard. A wheel on the towed vehicle had no tire and touched the pavement.
Although 15 calls reporting fires came in, McCords Crossroads Fire Chief Rich Lindsey said crews individually identified nine fires.
Firefighters from McCords Crossroads, Ellisville, Centre, Spring Garden, Cave Spring, and Spring Creek responded to battle the blazes. They also worked to protect structures along the highway.
Meanwhile, the Alabama Forestry Unit assisted with containing the quickly spreading fire. Cherokee County sheriff’s units and an Alabama state trooper helped control traffic while firefighters worked along the busy route.
Authorities also temporarily closed Highway 411 between the state line and County Road 45 during the response.
Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers directed responding agencies to the areas where they needed assistance.
Although flames threatened some structures, WEIS had received no reports of structural damage at the original publication time. No injuries were reported. However, Atrium Floyd EMS responded as a precaution.
Lindsey also thanked all mutual aid agencies for their swift response and a job well done.
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