By Marla Jones, Reporter • marla@southerntorch.com (Photo by Orvetta Angelic Patterson)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Monday night, a blaze broke out in a vacant building in downtown Fort Payne. Firefighters responded immediately to put out the fire that could have been destructive for the Main Street region of the city.

The empty building is owned by GH Metal. According to Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite, there has been a history of homeless people seeking shelter inside the building during the recent cold snap. However, the cause of the fire is still investigation.

“The turnout of Fort Payne firefighters was nearly 100 percent on Monday night,” said Saferite. “The guys did a fantastic job keeping it off the surrounding buildings. Half of downtown [Fort Payne] would’ve been on fire if they didn’t.” Even off-duty firefighters responded to the call.

The official investigation of this case has begun. Southern Torch will keep you updated on this developing story.