SYLACAUGA, Ala. – A fire tore through a building at Autumn Trace Apartments on Monday night, June 23, leaving multiple families homeless and destroying much of what they owned.
The blaze broke out around 8:00 p.m. When Sylacauga Fire Department units arrived, flames were already shooting through the roof of an eight-unit building. The fire had been burning for some time before the call came in, allowing it to spread rapidly into the attic.
Firefighters from Childersburg, Oak Grove, and Hollins were called in to assist. The fire was brought under control within an hour, but not before the roof was destroyed and all eight apartments rendered uninhabitable.
Top-floor units suffered heavy fire damage, while bottom-floor units sustained significant smoke and water damage.
No injuries were reported among residents or First Responders. All occupants had evacuated before the fire spread. The cause remains under investigation but is believed to be accidental.
“I’m just super proud of our fire department and neighboring agencies that showed up to help,” said Sylacauga Fire Chief Nate Osgood. “Our goal is to always not let the fire get any worse than it is when we show up. We can’t control what happens before we get there. Given the hand that we were dealt with this particular fire, [our guys] got a handle on it quickly and did what we strive to do.”
Chief Osgood said the Red Cross and First Baptist Church quickly mobilized to help displaced residents, with the church providing temporary shelter.
Local business owner Sherrel Mickey is also organizing relief efforts. Marble City Homecare and Wellness is accepting donations at 1273 Old Talladega Hwy.
“There are eight families that lost everything,” Mickey said. “Let’s come together as a community and help them out.”
Families are temporarily housed at Towne Inn, and Mickey emphasized cash donations are urgently needed. She’s coordinating efforts to deliver aid and is fielding calls personally.
“If you need items picked up or have questions, call my cell at (256) 267-1373,” Mickey added.
