Policeman spots smoke; all respond

Life and property were saved thanks to a routine police patrol Sunday morning.

Brewton Police Sgt. Andrew Casey was making “the rounds” just before 5:30 a.m. when he observed smoke near the Brewton Heights Shopping Center. Upon closer inspection, Casey realized the smoke was coming from the townhouse style apartments on Halsey Street near Belleview Avenue, said BPD Chief Monte McGougin.

“When Casey reported the fire, others quickly responded, including those with the Brewton Fire Department,” he said. “Just before fire trucks arrived, Casey, along with officers Joey Smith and Heath Madison, began a door-to-door evacuation of the complex’s residents.

“This is a great example of good police work and great teamwork,” McGougin said. “Everyone who responded should be commended for a job well done.”

BFD Chief Jeffery Salter said fire was contained to two units.

“At the peak, there were some 20 firemen on the site,” Salter said. “When we initially responded there was heavy fire in the back and the roof structure was on fire.

“The homeowner happened to wake about the time Sgt. Casey observed the smoke,” Salter said. “The homeowner attempted to locate the source of the smoke, and when he couldn’t, evacuated with his family.”

Brewton first responder crews were also joined by the East Brewton Fire Department when battling the blaze, Salter said.

While the damage to the two apartments is extensive, no one was injured during the incident.

“I can’t commend these guys enough,” Salter said. “We could’ve easily enough lost that whole apartment complex. These guys worked tirelessly to save that building and the families inside. It could have been a very sad situation if it weren’t for the quick response of all involved.”

The fire is currently under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office; however, it is believed to have started as an electrical fire, Salter said.