Fatal fire in Cherokee County, Alabama

February 28, 2020–6:17 a.m.

WEIS RADIO

At 5:10 Thursday morning, units with the Centre, Sand Rock, and Leesburg fire departments were dispatched to a report of a structure fire on County Road 147, located off Highway 273.  According to reports, the structure was already on the ground as firefighters arrived on the scene.

In addition to firefighters, those responding to the scene included the JSU Center for Applied Forensics, State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office with the EMA Office in Cherokee County also providing assistance.

Cherokee County Coroner Dr, Jeremy Deaton has confirmed to WEIS Radio News that there was a fatality due to the fire.  The body has been sent for autopsy.

According to Deaton, the name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

No word yet on what may have led to the fire starting.