City of Gadsden: Large fire at paving plant under control, evacuation order lifted

Chemical fire under investigation in Gadsden
Published: Oct. 22, 2026 at 3:24 PM CDT|Updated: 30 minutes ago

GADSDEN, Ala. (WBRC) - An evacuation order has been lifted after it was put in order due to a large fire in Alabama City, Gadsden city officials said Thursday evening.

According to the city, a fire broke out at TPC Paving in the Alabama City neighborhood of Gadsden, near Attalla, just before 2:30 p.m.

Gadsden Fire said two buildings that house the city’s paving crew caught fire near 35th Street and West Meighan Boulevard. Officials said 600 barrels of liquid caught fire, leading to a chemical fire.

During the fire, Etowah County EMA said all four lanes of Meighan Boulevard and 34th Street had been closed. Mutual Drive and and North 35th Street were also closed. In addition to the road closures, officials also put a two-block evacuation notice in order as crews battled the fire.

“As a precaution, the surrounding area was evacuated, but there are no hazards, and residents can return, if they have not already,” city officials said.

@wbrcnews Etowah County EMA said two blocks have been evacuated after a chemical fire at two buildings in the Alabama City area. Fire officials described the fire as large. 📸: Susan McElroy #WBRCNews #Gadsdenfire #Gadsdenchemicalfire #AlabamaCity ♬ original sound - WBRC 6 News
The Gadsden Fire Department said the fire is near 35th Street and West Meighan Boulevard, and...
The Gadsden Fire Department said the fire is near 35th Street and West Meighan Boulevard, and that West Meighan Boulevard has been closed.(WBRC)

An investigation into the fire is ongoing.

@wbrcnews Fire officials in Gadsden said they are battling a large fire Thursday afternoon after two building caught fire. Tierra Thomas captured this video and is letting WBRC share it. #WBRCNews #GadsdenFire #Gadsden ♬ original sound - WBRC 6 News

An investigation into the fire is ongoing.

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