Gadsden Fire Department continues checking industrial site for hot spots

GADSDEN, Ala. (WBRC) - Gadsden Fire Training Chief Eric Estes said crews were back at an industrial fire scene Friday morning checking for hot spots. This is after a fire broke out at TPC Paving in the Alabama City neighborhood of Gadsden, near Attalla, just before 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Chief Estes said when it comes to the black smoke from the fire, neighbors are safe and there is no danger.

“For it to be the second fire on the block, right. Not immediate danger, no concern, but just to wonder, just a random thought, just what could have happened,” said Phillip Gray.

Neighbors who live in the Alabama City community said they want to know what caused an explosion on Thursday at the facility where TPC Paving is located.

Firefighters continue to investigate what was in the barrels that exploded.

Gadsden Fire Training Chief Eric Estes said it was a fire that required all hands on deck.

“A residential house needs this type of response, and given the industrial complex what we had here, we knew we were going to have to step that up to obviously a bigger response than what a residential house would be,” said Estes.

Chief Estes said his department dealt with water issues battling an industrial fire at the Goodyear Plant last December. He said they learned from that experience.

On Thursday, they quickly shut down W. Meighan Blvd, Forrest Avenue and other streets to have access to fire hydrants in the area.

“Luckily we had the facility here that had that available water source there, and we were able to utilize that to get that initial response,” said Estes.

With off-duty personnel coming in and outside agencies assisting. Chief Estes said his department also responded to 12 other calls around town.

We asked a neighbor if he was concerned with all of the black smoke in his neighborhood.

“Not necessarily. I know the train tracks; my mind drifted to that. I didn’t think it was something serious. I know it had to be a great deal with the smoke looking at it,” said Gray.

Chief Estes said his department will continue to have a presence at the industrial site through the weekend. He said investigating what caused the fire will begin next week.

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