Large fire at Brundidge auto sales business under investigation

BRUNDIDGE, Ala. (WSFA) - Multiple fire departments worked a large fire that destroyed a used car sale business in Brundidge early Tuesday.

According to Glenn Adkins with the Brundidge Fire Department, firefighters were called to the business, Car City Auto Sales, around 5 a.m.

For two hours, the fire burned through the main office and the shop 50 yards away.

A WSFA 12 News photographer at the scene says both buildings on the property were involved in the fire.

Seven volunteer fire departments responded. Adkins says between 40-50 firefighters worked to put out the fire. Much of the fire was contained around 7 a.m.

Firefighters said there was a water shortage because there weren’t enough hydrants around.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Car City owner Jerry Sheppard.

“It’s a place my dad founded and you look at the catastrophe we got around here,” he said.

The family business stood for more than 30 years. It’s now all twisted metal and charred.

“Nobody’s fault, no. It’s just a challenge we have in rural areas in not having fire plugs,” said Adkins.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.

No injuries were reported.

Sheppard says he has insurance and believes the surveillance cameras on the buildings will help investigators sort out what happened.

The firefighters represented departments from Brundidge, Elba, Fort Rucker, 5-Star, Hamilton Crossroads, Meeksville and Pike Fire and Rescue.

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