‘Monster’ Fire Destroys Historic Atmore Home

June 12, 2016

A massive fire Sunday morningĀ  destroyed a historic turn of the century home in downtown Atmore.

The fire was reported about 6:35 a.m. at 311 South Main Street, at a two story, 4000 square foot home built in 1900. Flames were shooting skyward from the second floor as the fire firefighters arrived on scene.

“It was a real monster,” Atmore Fire Chief Ronald Peebles said of the fire.

For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.

The resident of the home was reportedly not at home at the time of the blaze. A family dog was miraculously found alive and doing well on the first floor of the home nearly two hours after the blaze began. Click here to read more about the dog.

Firefighters were hampered by heat and humidity as they fought the blaze, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Alabama State Fire Marshal.

Smoke from the fire was visible as far away as Ernest Ward Middle School on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.

The Atmore, Poarch and Flomaton fire departments from Alabama and the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue in Florida, Atmore Ambulance, the Atmore Police Department and the Poarch Creek Tribal Police responded to the fire.

“We are real blessed that we have that ladder truck, and we are grateful that these other departments responded to prevent this from becoming a lot worse,” Atmore Mayor Jim Staff said.

For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “‘Monster’ Fire Destroys Historic Atmore Home”

  1. Thank you on June 12th, 2016 10:11 pm

    Thank you to our first responders!! A fire of that magnitude could have caused more damage to houses on that block. Happy to hear that no one was hurt and that the dog is safe.

  2. Historic home owner on June 12th, 2016 12:56 pm

    Hate to see this. Not sure what caused the fire but hope this doesn’t deter people from restoring other historic homes. When we did ours we were advised the wiring needed to be replaced and brought to code. It is such a relief to know it is on good breakers and intact. Also repaced plumbing and air conditioning. It was costly but were able to get insurance because of it. Save our homes. Thanks to firefighers, sorry for your loss Mam.

  3. Puddin on June 12th, 2016 12:48 pm

    Thank you to our brave Fire Fighters.

    The loss of this beautiful house is terrible. I’ve always admired it. I hope the family has a safe place to stay. Glad the dog is OK.

  4. anne on June 12th, 2016 11:33 am

    There are so few beautiful historic homes in this area of AL/FL, this is a sad story, but the photo of the fireman and the dog is precious and made my day.

  5. Joanna Carrisal on June 12th, 2016 11:27 am

    This is so awful. Mrs P, I’m so sorry about your home. You are such a sweet and amazing woman. Thank God no one was hurt. Praying for you and Rose.

  6. Brooke Mixon on June 12th, 2016 9:27 am

    I’ve always admired this home when I go through Atmore. The corner window was so beautiful and unique. Hope the homeowners are safe. Prayers to them!

  7. johnson on June 12th, 2016 9:24 am

    So sad to hear this prayers for the famil, and to know a piece of History went up in smoke

  8. Frederick M. Currie on June 12th, 2016 9:17 am

    I want to commend the various fire departments for an outstanding job that they did containing this fire. A fire of this magnitude could have been a lot worse if it hadn’t been for their professionalism. Thank you for what you do Fritz