Multiple explosions and heavy flames greeted firefighters Sunday as volunteer crews from three Madison County departments battled a large structure fire on Teresa Drive.
According to Facebook posts from Harvest Volunteer Fire Department and Monrovia Volunteer Fire-Rescue, the fire was reported around 11:35 a.m. to 11:37 a.m. on May 31 in the 100 block of Teresa Drive. Responding agencies included Monrovia Volunteer Fire-Rescue, Harvest Volunteer Fire Department, and Toney Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
First-arriving crews from Monrovia reported a large structure with heavy smoke and flames showing, along with multiple explosions. Firefighters said dangerous fire conditions and concerns about the stability of the building forced crews to attack the fire from outside the structure rather than entering it.
Multiple hoselines were deployed as crews worked to contain the blaze. Harvest Volunteer Fire Department said approximately 180,000 gallons of water were used during the operation.
According to Monrovia Volunteer Fire-Rescue, the fire was extinguished within about an hour. No injuries were reported.
Harvest Volunteer Fire Department said crews responded as automatic aid into its second due area. Both Harvest and Monrovia noted that all responding units eventually cleared the scene and returned to service. Harvest Volunteer Fire Department said crews responded as automatic aid into its second due area.
The departments also pointed to the role volunteer firefighters play in protecting communities across North Alabama. Harvest Volunteer Fire Department said it responds to more than 2,100 calls each year, while Monrovia Volunteer Fire-Rescue said it handles more than 2,500 fire, rescue, and medical emergencies annually.
While the Teresa Drive fire involved just three volunteer departments, it illustrates a system that forms the backbone of fire protection across much of Alabama. According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, roughly 1,000 volunteer fire departments serve communities across the state, many in rural and rapidly growing areas where volunteers are often the first to respond during emergencies.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
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