Ala. Warehouse Deemed Total Loss in Fire

An early morning fire Saturday, Oct. 18, in Oxford, Ala., resulted in injuries to five people – three firefighters and two employees of Southern Tool, Incorporated. Oxford Fire Department responded to the fire that began between 3:30 and 3:45 a.m., and Anniston Fire Department responded to assist Oxford.

The warehouse involved in the fire, located at 508 Hamric Drive West in Oxford, reportedly contained vats used to reclaim wax. Four of the injuries involved chemical burns from sodium hydroxide and one involved inhalation injuries caused by steam from the sodium hydroxide. All of the injured were treated and released from the hospital.

Investigators with the Oxford Fire Department and the Alabama State Fire Marshals Office said the injuries and property damage resulted from a flash fire in the area where the vats were located and the wax was stored. The warehouse was a total loss.