ALABAMA, USA — Decatur Fire & Rescue released new information on the possible causes of two fires in Decatur after severe weather swept through the area. One call came when a fire alarm activated at Wheeler Estates Apartments and the other was on Danville Rd. in Hartselle
At Wheeler Estate Apartments, firefighters were advised of probable lightning strike to the structure, with smoke and flames showing on the back side of the C Building. Fire was heavily involved in the attic area and ladders and there was evidence of smoke and fire damage through the electrical system of the North apartments of Building C. Power was initially turned off to the entire complex, however, it was restored to all units except Building C once all fire was extinguished. The fire sprinkler system did not engage, due to no specific sprinkler heads received fire damage to activate. There was, however, fire alarm activation on-site and also alarm activation to other Wheeler Estates buildings during time on scene. There were no known injuries related to this incident. Fire cause is listed as natural, most probably due to lightning, however, remains under investigation at this time.
On Wednesday morning, Decatur Fire & Rescue received a call to a structure fire on Danville Rd. SW in Hartselle. The 911 caller said the fire was inside the house. The residents said they had prior issues with some appliances during the lightning storm of the evening earlier. One of the occupants attempted to use a fire extinguisher to help escape the fire. Heavy damage was noted throughout the structure, especially in the attic area. Although there were no injuries to people, four family pets died. Fire cause is listed as natural, most probably due to lightning, and remains under investigation at this time.
