HARTFORD, Ala. (WDNews) — Firefighters from several Wiregrass departments responded Friday afternoon to a structure fire at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford.
According to Slocomb Fire-Rescue, Geneva County E-911 dispatched Hartford Fire-Rescue and Slocomb Fire-Rescue to the funeral home around 3:49 p.m. Sept. 19 after a caller reported heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the building.
Additional help was requested from the Black Volunteer Fire Department, Bellwood Volunteer Fire Department and Rehobeth Fire-Rescue.
Slocomb Engine 4 and Rescue 7 arrived to find a working fire with heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters immediately began an interior attack.
Additional Hartford and Slocomb crews established two water supplies from nearby fire hydrants. Black and Bellwood firefighters joined crews inside the building, while Rehobeth Ladder 1 was positioned near the structure in case its aerial equipment was needed.
Firefighters also used vertical ventilation to release heat and smoke while checking to make sure the fire had not spread into overhead areas.
According to Slocomb Fire-Rescue, the coordinated response from firefighters, Hartford police officers and Geneva County sheriff’s deputies helped bring the fire under control quickly.
Bottoms Garden Chapel staff safely removed a decedent who was inside the building when the fire was discovered. Sorrells Funeral Home later assisted the funeral home staff with caring for the decedent.
“The fire service is truly a team effort, and incidents like this demonstrate the importance of mutual aid and cooperation between neighboring departments and public safety agencies,” Slocomb Fire-Rescue said.
The department also offered support to the funeral home following the fire.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home family and staff, an organization that has served and cared for countless families throughout our community for many years,” the department said.
“We are grateful for the dedication and professionalism displayed by every firefighter, law enforcement officer, dispatcher, and supporting agency who responded. One team. One mission. Protecting our communities.”
Image Source – City of Slocomb Fire-Rescue
Image Source – City of Slocomb Fire-Rescue
Image Source – City of Slocomb Fire-Rescue
Image Source – City of Slocomb Fire-Rescue
