The City of Enterprise, Ala. has proclaimed October 2026 as Fire Prevention Month, encouraging residents to make fire safety a priority and learn more about the safe use and charging of lithium-ion batteries.
This year’s Fire Prevention Month theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlights the growing importance of battery safety as more households use rechargeable devices, e-bikes, e-scooters and other battery-powered equipment.
“Community risk reduction is about more than responding when an emergency happens. It’s about taking proactive steps to prevent fires and giving our residents the information and resources they need to stay safe,” Beasley said. “Fire Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to bring those safety messages directly to our community, especially our children, and remind everyone that simple habits can make a real difference.”
Lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire or explosion risk when they are damaged, improperly used or improperly charged. The Enterprise Fire Department encourages residents to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of battery-related fires, including:
• Use manufacturer-approved chargers and charging cords.
• Charge devices on a hard, flat surface away from anything that can burn.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storing batteries.
• Do not use batteries or devices that show signs of damage, overheating or swelling.
• Unplug devices when they are fully charged.
• Keep e-bikes, e-scooters and other larger battery-powered devices away from exits and areas where they could block a safe escape.
• Never use a battery or charger that appears damaged or has been recalled.
Throughout October, Enterprise Fire Department personnel will visit Enterprise City Schools elementary schools to share this year’s Fire Prevention Month message with students. Firefighters will encourage students to “Charge into Fire Safety” and reinforce the message that safe charging is a superpower.
The department also continues its focus on one of its broader community risk-reduction goals: ensuring every home in Enterprise has a working smoke alarm.
The Enterprise Fire Department’s fall Smoke Detector Blitz is planned for Nov. 7. Free smoke alarms are available through the department for Enterprise residents. Additional information about the program and how to request a smoke alarm is available at enterprisefd.com.
“Every home should have a working smoke alarm, and we want to help make that possible,” Beasley said. “Our goal is for every home in Enterprise to have the protection of a working smoke alarm, and our department is committed to helping residents get the resources they need.”
The City of Enterprise recognizes the Enterprise Fire Department’s continued commitment to fire prevention, public education and emergency response and encourages residents to use Fire Prevention Month as an opportunity to review fire safety practices at home.
The Fire Prevention Month banner displayed during the proclamation signing, along with other educational materials and fun giveaways, were graciously donated for community use by local State Farm agent Jeremy Hilton. The items will be distributed during school visits and at upcoming events featuring the Enterprise Fire Department, including the EFD tent at the Boll Weevil Fall Festival on Oct. 17 and Spooky in the Park on Oct. 30.
Argument Between Two People Leads to Shooting; Suspect in Custody
On September 29, 2026, the Dothan Police Department responded to the 100 block of Third Avenue for a firearms assault. Officers located the victim with a gunshot wound to the lower leg. According to witnesses, the suspect, identified as Akron Jones (56) of Dothan, and the victim got into a verbal argument over a previous incident. The altercation escalated and Jones pulled a firearm. Jones fired at least two rounds with one striking the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Jones was quickly taken into custody. Jones was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Jones has been charged with one count of Assault 1st degree and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Jones was booked into the Houston County Jail.
HEADLAND: 7:20 PM Henry County 911 dispatched Headland Fire – Rescue and other departments to a working structure fire.
The fire location is 371 Bartett Loop at Headland. Reports at time dispatched and law enforcement arrival, flames visible and a working structure fire.
Unknown what all departments are on the scene. Anyone with additional information or scene pictures, TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729.
DOTHAN: 7:18 PM Dothan 911 dispatched Dothan Police, Dothan Fire and Pilcher Ambulance to a firearm assault at 119 Third Avenue.
Reports to Dothan 911 were the victim had a gunshot wound to the leg.
When Dothan Police Officers arrived on the scene Dothan Fire and Pilcher Ambulance were instructed to stage until the scene was safe for entry. Dothan Police reported there was a suspect inside the residence. The perimeter was established and after a few minutes the suspect exited the residence, peacefully.
The firearm assault was transported by Dothan Fire and Pilcher Ambulance to Southeast Health, Emergency, trauma alert. Southeast Health Emergency Department was placed on lockdown for a period of time.
Dothan Police Criminal Investigation and Crime Scene Investigators responded.
