By Staff
Adam Prestridge
An official with the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s office was in Atmore investigating another fire in a series of arson investigations spanning nearly a year.
According to Atmore Fire Chief Gerry McGhee, the fire that destroyed a vacant house located at 169 Broad St. Friday night is believed to have been arson.
McGhee did however say that it is unknown whether the blaze was intentionally set.
According to AFD incident reports, the fire was dispatched out at 8:43 p.m. Two engines with Atmore responded to the scene along with six fire personnel. The Poarch Fire Department offered mutual aid sending an engine and three firefighters.
Officers with the Atmore Police Department and paramedics with Atmore Ambulance also responded to the scene.
Winter weather fire safety
Atmore is experiencing some of the coldest weather in many years, and according to Fire Chief Gerry McGhee, the danger of fire goes up during cold weather.
The fire department has issued some tips that could save lives:
More than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured. Eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. Electrical fires are a special concern during the winter months, when indoor activities are increased.
Staff reporter Lydia Grimes contributed to this story.