Update: Oct. 7, 5:59 p.m. At this time, the fire has been contained. "The fire is burning to the breaks and going out," said Bethsadia Fire Chief Maurice Reynolds. "Just have a lot of area to burn out."
Reynolds confirmed that the fire is under control as of this report. Many of the volunteer fire departments have gone back to their regular areas. Arkadelphia, Logan, Bremen, Good Hope, Bethsadia and the Forestry Commission are still on the scene.
"Forestry is still cutting fire lines," said Reynolds.
We will update further if anything else develops.
——-
Update: Oct. 7, 2:42 p.m. County Road 35 is closed between County Roads 5 and 8. No one will be allowed through except for emergency personnel. According to a spokesman for the Cullman County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Matt Gentry has authorized additional deputies to assist with the road closure.
——
ARKADELPHIA – The wildfire that has been burning since Thursday afternoon in southwest Cullman County near Arkadelphia has now crossed County Road 35 and is, according to sources on the scene, "out of control." High winds are causing the fire to spread.
Firefighters are actively working to contain the fire so that no homes are affected. Additional firefighters from Jones Chapel, Bethsadia, Johnson's Crossing, Hanceville, Walter and Fairview are now en route to assist. Arkadelphia Fire Chief Leon Smith sent out a call for brush trucks to fight grass fires, fire engines to protect houses and tankers with extra water.
Firefighters from Good Hope, Dodge City, Cold Springs, Bremen, Crane Hill, Loretto and Vinemont-Providence joined the effort this morning, assisting those from Logan and Arkadelphia, who have been fighting the fire since it began at approximately 3 p.m. yesterday.
Alabama Forestry Commission members from Walker and Blount Counties are also involved.
The fire began in the vicinity of County Roads 35 and 8 and spread south from there, and is reported to have burned 500 to 600 acres as of this morning.
We have reports from drivers who say they can see the smoke from Gardendale.
The Red Cross is on scene.
Background: http://www.cullmansense.com/articles/2016/10/07/update-wildfire-still-burning-southwest-cullman-county-600-acres-burned
Copyright 2016 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
