October 6, 2019–3:47 p.m.
WEIS RADIO
On Saturday afternoon Cherokee County 911 received multiple calls reporting a woods fire on County Road 19 between County Road 71 and County Road 59 in the Mt. Weisner Community.
Multiple callers reported witnessing a male subject lighting the fires on the edge of the roadway. Deputies responded to the area but were unable to locate anyone.
Fire department crews from Mt. Weisner, Ellisville, Centre, Leesburg, Spring Garden, Spring Creek, Tuckers Chapel, and the Alabama Forestry Commission all responded to the scene.
Additional units from the Ballplay Bend Fire Department in Etowah County and Knightens Crossroads Fire Department in Calhoun County were also dispatched to assist.
Several homes were endangered as a result of the fires which forestry officials estimated grew to 40 acres before being brought under control.
Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers said that he would like to thank every fire department that responded for their assistance in ensuring the safety of the public and their property.
Despite some rainfall on Saturday, we still remain under a Fire Alert. This burning restriction is being issued because of the current drought situation, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition. Anyone that burns – including fields, grassland, or woodland, whatever the case – without a burn permit, may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.