UPDATED @ 7:35 AM BREAKING NEWS: Murphy Mill Road Structure Fire

Rikey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: Mar 22 2013 6:48 AM

DOTHAN:   At At 6:36 AM Dothan 911 dispatced a structure fire at 3782 Murphy Mill Road, ower box outside of residence on fire.

Dothan Fire Engine 8 ( Highlands ) was the first engine on the scene. Dothan Police arrived frist and reported smoke from the roof and a fire hydrant directly in front of the residence.

By 6:43 AM Dothan Fire Engine 8 reported the house was "all cear", meaning everyone is outside the house. Engine 8 reports they believe the fire is just the outside electrical box and no extensions into the strucure. Engine 3, Engine 6 (Napier Field Road ) and and Engine 3 9 Westgate ) are on the scene and checing for fire extensions.

Dothan Utilities has been called to the scene. Dothan Fire Batallion Chief said the 3700 lock of Murphy Mill Road is closed ue to fire hoses being across the roadway.

Dothan Fire Engine 6 has called for a 6 foot extension ladder to get into the attic to check inside.

We will update.

UPDATED @ 6:50 AM

The utility carrier for that address is Wiregrass Electric and not Dothan Utilities. Dothan 911 Center has called Wiregrass Electric.

Dothan Fire is pulling out the wall behind the breaker bo at this time. Fire engine crew reports tha wall is hot behind the breaker. Batallion Chief Applin has requested a therma imager be used fro the wall and checking if any fire hot spots in the wall,

At 6:52 Dothan Fire has reported water on the fire.

UPDATED @ 7:00

Dothan Fire unit has reported active fire inside the wall and utilities need to be shut off before they can get to the fire. Dothan 911 reports the ETA of utilities. Dothan 911 requested ETA of Wiregrass Electric which at 6:54 AM reported a 30 minute response. Chief Applin requested Dothan Utilities to respond because of active fire and they can not get to it as long as power is on the house.

At 7:04 AM Dothan 911 reported they had contacted Dothan Utilitihas who has advised they will attempt to contact Wiregrass Electric for permission to cut the power to the residence so the fireman can get to the fire.

UPDATED @ 7:09 AM

Dothan Fire is keeping pressured water on the fire until Wiregrass Electric arrives or Dothan Utilities can get permission to cut the power. Until the utilities get together fire burns, house in danger andI fireman in danger.

At 7:10 AM Dothan 911 has advised Wiregrass Electric who is advising their dispather to advie their utility of therush due to active fire and danger. Until then all wit on Wiregrss Electric.

QUESTION:  why is there no standing agreement in emergencies to cut the power? Which is more important, the permission of Wiregrass Electric or to save the residence and the safety of the fireman? 

Listening on the radio it is a crying shame of the run around Dothan 911 Center and Dothn Fire has been going through to the get the power cut off. The customers need to raise ....with both Wiregrass Electric and Dothan Utilities for standing Agreements. Your life or property, your fireman's life could depend on this run around bull!

UPDATED @ 7:22 AM

Dothan Fire reports they can not report under control until the power is cut off to the residence. They have returned all but one fire unit to service but still  have fire in wall from power source. Dothan Fire is keeping water pressure on until Wiregrass Electric arrives or gives Dothan Utilities permission to cut the power of their customer.

UPDATED @ 7:35 AM

Dothan Batallion Chief Danny Applin has reported fire under control.

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