DOTHAN 10:52 AM: Working structure fire at Blissett Drive at the apartments. Will update when I get more information.
UPDATED @ 11:51 AM Multiple Dothan Fire Engine Companies responded to 200 Blissett Drive, Abby Oak Apartments, to a structure fire.
Dothan Fire Engine 4 ( Southside ) was already on a call and Dothan Fire Engine 2 ( Lakewood ) was responding as was other fire engine companies. When Dothan Fire Engine 2 crossed South Oates and Ross Clark Circle they reported heavy black smoke in the air.
As Engine 2 rolled in they reported smoke and flames visible, through the roof, this is a working structure fire. Dothan Fire Engine 10 ( West Main ) and another engine responded and was on the scene, Dothan Fire Ladder Truck from Central was on the scene, Dothan Fire Chief Larry Williams was on the scene, Dothan Fire Rehab was on the scene, Dothan Police Patrol Lt. Jason Adkins and other Dothan Police Officers were on the scene.
The roof collapsed within 2 minutes of Dothan Fire Engine 2 arriving. A resident was upset because his cat was inside and the fireman were not entering. It was not safe for the fireman to enter because the fire was to hot and the roof had already collapsed. DOTHAN FIRE DEPARTMENT CARES ABOUT ANIMALS. But it was unsafe. Once things cooled and safe to enter it was found the cat escaped and is alive and well.
The first order of business when Dothan Fire arrived was to check if any person was inside any of the apartments. It was declared that every person had escaped and was out of the apartment.
Dothan Utilities responded to disconnect electricity.
American Red Cross has been contacted to meet the immediate needs of the residents.
Dothan Fire responded to a structure fire just before this call. And while on this call responded to a medical call on West Main Street, Medical Alarm on Lakeside Drive, and a fire alarm on Jamestown Blvd. The fire department, police department, and most especially the 911 dispatchers never missed a beat and all did an outstanding job.
