CHEROKEE COUNTY– Cherokee County grass fires threatened homes and stretched firefighting resources Wednesday afternoon for the second consecutive day.

Crews answered calls on County Roads 14 and 19, Neal Hill Road, and near Alabama 9. Meanwhile, one grass fire spread to a camper, and initial dispatch reports described multiple structures in danger at another location.

WEIS gathered information through firsthand reporting, emergency radio traffic, and consultation with the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency.

Firefighters Respond Across Cherokee County

Ellisville Fire responded to the 7700 block of County Road 14, where a grass fire threatened a home. Residents said they noticed smoke and saw flames approaching their house.

They then began fighting the fire with garden hoses and called Cherokee County 911. By the time WEIS arrived, Ellisville firefighters had brought the fire under control and were working on containment.

Shortly after that dispatch, the Centre Fire Department responded to Neal Hill Road. There, a grass fire spread to a camper. Centre firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.

Meanwhile, a fire near the 6200 block of County Road 19 brought a response from the Mt. Wisner Fire Department. Initial radio reports indicated that spreading flames threatened multiple structures.

The department requested mutual aid from Ellisville, Centre, Leesburg, Spring Creek, and the Alabama Forestry Commission. Cherokee County EMA also responded.

Gaylesville Fire also received a dispatch for a large grass fire off Alabama 9 near County Road 117. As WEIS compiled this report, emergency radio traffic indicated another fire across the Georgia line.

Second Day of Demanding Fire Responses

Wednesday’s calls followed nine grass and brush fires along U.S. 411 on Tuesday. Six fire departments responded as flames threatened structures between the Alabama-Georgia state line and County Road 45.

According to an eyewitness cited in the earlier WEIS report, a vehicle under tow to a scrap yard produced sparks. A wheel without a tire contacted the pavement.

Although dispatchers received 15 fire calls, McCords Crossroads Fire Chief Rich Lindsey said crews identified nine separate fires. Authorities also temporarily closed that stretch of highway during the response.

Take Precautions Against Grass Fires

Conditions across the area remain especially dry. In addition, shifting winds can carry flames rapidly through grass and brush.

The Forestry Commission’s fire-safety guidance urges people to postpone outdoor burning during extremely dry conditions and low humidity.

Anyone planning a burn should first check with local authorities and the commission about current restrictions and permit requirements. The agency also advises keeping adequate equipment and personnel available to control any permitted fire.

For smaller debris burns, keep a connected garden hose or another water supply ready. Never leave a fire unattended, and thoroughly soak the burn area until it is cold.

Afterward, check the area for several days because debris piles can smolder and rekindle. The commission also warns that vehicles driven into tall grass and equipment such as bush hogs can ignite fires.

To report a wildfire, call 911. In addition, Ready Alabama’s wildfire guidance advises residents to leave immediately if authorities recommend or order an evacuation.