Firefighters put out 13 fires along highway
Firefighters battled 13 wildfires between Flomaton and Brewton Tuesday and they were back at work Wednesday trying to contain other fires before they get out of hand and engulf hundreds, if not thousands, of acres of land and possibly homes.
Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton said the fires Tuesday were caused by an 18-wheeler heading south on U.S. Highway 31 with two flat tires. Sparks from the rims lit fires from Jernigan Road to VanHoosen Road.
“We had a couple just about get away, but for the most part the fires were contained to the right of way,” Stanton said. “It's very dangerous. We've got very low humidity and it's very dry and we're prime for wildfires.”
Stanton said while Tuesday's blazes were an accident there are still people burning trash and debris and he begged people not to burn during these conditions.
Firemen from Flomaton, Friendship, McCall, Brewton and Century responded to attack the fires up and down Highway 31 Tuesday afternoon.
“As soon as we got one out, we got a call about another one,” he said.
A tractor from the Alabama Forestry Commission was on scene Wednesday near Highway 31 and Old Highway 31 to cut a fire break to hopefully contain the blazes.
“I hope people know how serious this is,” Stanton said. “I'm begging people to not burn. It doesn't take but a split second for it to get out of hand. We're supposed to get some rain Sunday, but I don't know if it will be enough.”
