An Attalla auto business burned around 10 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The Attalla Fire Department (AFD) arrived to see 50 % of Auto Doctor Vehicle Repair shop on fire in the 300 block of 3rd Street SW.

Firefighters were quickly able to get the fire under control, preventing further damage to the shop owned by Ricky Battles. Attalla Mayor Larry Means said he talked to the owner several times while the flames were being extinguished, and said that most his concerns weren’t for himself.

“I talked to Ricky several times during the fire, very upset obviously, but mainly for his employees and their families,” Means said. “But I can’t begin to thank all the people that helped with keeping the fire contained. I got there when the fire was fully engulfed, so Attalla fire fighters and police were there already, trying to stop the fire.”

No one was injured during the fire.

An investigation was launched into the fire after the flames were doused. The Etowah County Arson Task Force were called in, as is standard procedure.

Means credited the assisting personnel, including Gadsden Assistant Chief Sherrell and his firefighters, Reece City, the Sheriff’s Department, Rainbow City Chief Tim, Commissioner Jamie Grant and his AMED people.