By By Adam Prestridge
A Friday night fire engulfed a North Johnson Street home in Atmore completely destroying the wooden structure.
The fire, which occurred around 6:30 p.m. at 356 North Johnson Street, quickly spread throughout the home and became a challenge for local fire departments to control.
Atmore Fire &Rescue Department along with Atmore Police Department and Kelley's Ambulance were the first rescue personnel on the scene of the blaze. The departments worked together to attempt to get the fire under control, but the flames had already spread into the attic of the home making it impossible for firefighters to contain.
Firemen fought the fire for more than 15 minutes before having to call for a backup tanker from the Poarch Volunteer Fire Department to assist. Atmore also radioed for assistance from Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department out of Walnut Hill, Fla. to assist in controlling the blaze.
"We appreciate Poarch and Walnut Hill for giving up their time and men to come help us," Atmore Fire Chief Gerry McGhee said.
Power crews were later called out to cut the power to the area following a power line that burnt in half and fell to the ground. The fire became so hot when it was totally engulfed in flames that firemen had to douse a nearby mobile home with water to prevent its siding from melting and catching fire.
The fire is still under investigation. See Wednesday's "Advance" for more information about the fire.