Crews Contain Large Woods Fire on Rangeline Road in Mobile County; Residents Told to Keep Windows Closed
Firefighters and the Alabama Forestry Department cut a trench around the blaze south of Hamilton Boulevard, CSX stopped rail traffic, and officials said there was no threat to people.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — Fire crews have contained a large woods fire on Rangeline Road in Mobile County, officials said, though residents nearby may continue to see smoke.
A Mobile Fire-Rescue spokesman said the call came in around 8:20 a.m. Thursday about a large fire south of Hamilton Boulevard. The department initially described it on Facebook as a “large-area, uncontained woods fire” and urged people in the area to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid smoke inhalation.
How crews contained it
By late morning, the Alabama Forestry Department was working with firefighters, and workers had cut a trench around the fire to contain it. CSX was also on scene, making sure all rail traffic was stopped.
There was no threat to people, the spokesman said. The main concern was putting out the flames. With winds blowing north, residents were still asked to keep doors and windows closed so smoke would not get in.
What’s next
Officials said they are not sure what caused the fire and do not know whether they will be able to determine a cause. They noted that residents are prohibited from burning.
Even after the fire is out, there is a chance of lingering smoke, but officials said there is no cause for alarm if people see it.
