GADSDEN– Gadsden fire officials said Thursday evening that crews had brought the Alabama City fire under control, allowing roads to reopen.

The department also lifted all evacuation orders related to the commercial fire.

In that update, the Gadsden Fire Department said it had scaled back operations but planned to keep personnel there overnight. Crews would monitor conditions and address remaining hot spots, according to the department’s Oct. 22 release.

Additionally, the department said residents who evacuated as a precaution could safely return home. Officials reported no injuries.

Fire Involved Two Buildings Near West Meighan Boulevard

The fire broke out shortly before 2:30 p.m. at TPC Paving near 35th Street and West Meighan Boulevard. Initial reports described two buildings involved and approximately 600 barrels of liquid burning.

Etowah County EMA described the incident as a chemical fire. Meanwhile, authorities closed all four lanes of Meighan Boulevard and restricted travel on nearby streets.

Those closures also affected 34th Street, Mutual Drive, and North 35th Street. Officials ordered a precautionary evacuation covering two blocks around the scene.

The fire department urged drivers to use alternate routes and give emergency crews room to operate safely. Later, its evening statement confirmed that all roadways and travel lanes closed during the response had reopened.

Investigators Examining How the Fire Started

Etowah County EMA Director Jim Slick said workers had been cleaning materials out of the buildings, including dirty rags in 55-gallon drums. The rags may have contained lacquer and could have heated up and ignited, he said.

However, Slick’s explanation was preliminary, with a fire marshal expected to investigate and determine the cause. Nearby residents also recorded thick smoke and explosions during the fire.

WEIS previously reported EMA’s initial warning about the fire and Meighan Boulevard closure. The fire department’s later announcement lifted the restrictions that affected traffic and nearby residents.

The department also thanked the public for its patience and cooperation, along with responding agencies and personnel for their assistance. It said additional information would follow as it became available.

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