Video: Fire Destroys Downtown Buildings in Sulligent, AL

[jwplatform oeqjWr3F]

SULLIGENT, Ala. (WCBI) — State and local officials are investigating a late night fire in Sulligent, Alabama.

The blaze destroyed two downtown buildings and damaged other businesses.

The call came in shortly before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and the Sulligent Volunteer Fire Department responded immediately.

Even though they had the fire contained By 2:30 a.m. Sunday, crews still had to monitor hot spots.

“It was more of a keeping it suppressed, not allowing any big flare ups. Their older structures, a lot of hard wood, very dry, very dry wood. It’s really easy to respark and rekindle a fire. Of course, our biggest concern now is not what has been burnt but keeping everything else from burning, ” said Lt. Chamblee Colvin, Sulligent Volunteer Fire Department.

The fire destroyed Grand Rooms Furniture store, and the former historical Whitten Pharmacy buildings. Both structures were built about 100 years ago.

Some of Wayne Carruth’s buildings suffered water and smoke damage. He believes the blaze will impact the area.

“With the economy like it is right now, its going to really affect the whole town really. It’s very devastating to the whole town, ” said Carruth, a local business owner.

As the Sulligent Fire Department was responding to numerous dispatch calls, including the fire, they were assisted by neighboring volunteer fire departments. Officials say that’s the reason the fire didn’t spread to other buildings.

“We do appreciate , as far as local, around us, Hamilton, and all these places that came , Hamilton had a , ladder truck, that was a big help as far as help putting the fire out, ” said Chief Willis Stanford, Sulligent Police Department.

Witnesses say there was a lot of lightning in the area when the blaze started, but the state fire marshal says it’s too early to determine what caused the blaze.

Sulligent first responders say they’re grateful for the dispatchers, and residents who brought water to the workers throughout the night.