WEBB, Ala. — A home was completely destroyed in a house fire Tuesday night, as a winter storm blanketed the region with heavy snow and freezing temperatures. The fire, which broke out around 6:00 p.m., occurred in the 200 block of Willie Raley Road.
According to Webb Police, the blaze started after the homeowners attempted to light a fire in an old fireplace that had not been used or cleaned in quite some time. The fire quickly spread, and firefighters battled the flames for nearly two hours. Despite their efforts, the home was deemed a total loss.
Fortunately, emergency responders were able to rescue a chicken from inside the home and saved a nearby camper from the flames. A husband and wife, along with their children, were present at the time of the fire. The man inhaled smoke but declined medical treatment, according to police. No other injuries were reported.
Responding to the scene were multiple fire departments, including Kinsey Fire Department, Webb Fire Department, Columbia Fire Department, and Headland Fire Department, as well as Webb Police, Kinsey Police, and Houston County Sheriff’s Deputies.
The fire came amid a significant winter storm that swept through the Wiregrass area on Tuesday afternoon and into the evening. The storm brought heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, complicating efforts for first responders and residents alike.
As the community begins to assess the damage caused by the fire, local officials are reminding residents to ensure that chimneys and fireplaces are properly cleaned and maintained to prevent similar accidents.
