JOPPA, Ala. – Members of the Joppa Volunteer Fire Department are pushing back against allegations circulating in the community that members of the department may have been responsible for a string of recent fires, calling the claims “absurd and disgusting” after firefighters spent roughly 36 hours responding to emergencies in the area.
The allegations surfaced following a cluster of fires around County Roads 1763 and 1823 in the Joppa community.
WAFF 48 reported Thursday that approximately 12 fires occurred within a quarter-mile radius over a 36-hour period from Saturday night into Monday. The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fires, according to the station. The causes remained under investigation at the time of WAFF’s report.
In a lengthy statement posted by “Joppa Fire-rescue” on Facebook and signed only as “33,” the writer said the department recently learned that people in the area were suggesting Joppa firefighters intentionally caused some of the structure and vehicle fires.
“We find this absurd and disgusting to be thought of in this way,” the statement said. “We here at Joppa Fire have put in way too much time, effort and even our own money making the department better to do something like this.”
The statement said department members were exhausted following the series of fires and described a volunteer force attempting to handle the incidents while continuing to respond to other emergencies.
“Our members are tired and worn out from the fires that happened in the above area,” the statement said. “We get minimal support from the community, and yet show up to the emergencies the best we can, with the highest level of training we’re able to obtain as volunteers, with outdated equipment.”
The writer said responding to fires for approximately 36 hours with limited personnel, even with assistance from neighboring departments, left Joppa firefighters stretched thin.
“Handling these fires for 36 hours with a very limited number of personnel, even with mutual aid from neighboring departments wore us very thin,” the statement said.
The writer said accusations directed toward the department have caused some volunteers to question whether continuing to serve is worth the personal cost.
The statement was signed “33.” No name was attached to the post, and The Tribune has not independently confirmed the identity of the person using that designation.
WAFF 48 reported that the fires caused significant property damage in the area.
Joppa-area resident Lance Burgess told the television station that a fire destroyed his shop along with two tractors, farm equipment, tools and family heirlooms.
Burgess estimated his uninsured losses at more than $100,000. Equipment belonging to his nephew that was being stored at the property for construction of a home was also destroyed.
“Wake up and realize, hey, it’s not a dream. It’s gone, but it can all be replaced,” Burgess told WAFF 48.
WAFF also reported that a fatal fire occurred on Mat Morrow Road during the same general timeframe. That fire is being investigated separately, and investigators told the station they do not suspect foul play in that case.
The Joppa Fire-rescue statement also said authorities have a person of interest in custody and emphasized that the person is not a member of the department. The post used the abbreviation “CCDO” but did not identify the agency by its full name.
The Tribune has not independently confirmed that a person of interest is in custody or that the individual is connected to the fires.
No person has been publicly identified by authorities as responsible for the series of fires.
The post additionally suggested that fires in the area stopped after the person was taken into custody. That assertion has also not been independently confirmed, and the existence of a person of interest does not establish that an individual committed a crime.
The department’s response drew an outpouring of support from firefighters and community members.
Steve A. Maze, who identified himself as a member of the New Canaan Community Watch Patrol and said he has worked alongside Joppa firefighters during fires, vehicle crashes and medical calls, criticized those spreading allegations without evidence.
“How sad that anyone would start a vicious rumor without any proof,” Maze wrote. “If you had proof you should have already reported it to law enforcement.”
Maze said his experiences with the department have been positive, describing its members as professional and efficient and thanking the volunteers for giving their time and expertise to the community.
Levi Himmelrick, who said in his comment that he was among those who worked the recent fires, described the response as an exhausting effort that included injuries to firefighters.
“It was 36 hours of hell with multiple fire fighters getting injured, to include one of our own,” Himmelrick wrote.
Himmelrick said crews continued answering medical calls and assisting mutual-aid departments despite the prolonged fire response.
“This literally dropped the department to its knees but we still came to the call and worked our butts off without being able to rehab our trucks or ourselves in between,” he wrote.
Nicholas Joseph Robichaux also defended the department and the firefighters who responded during the string of fires.
“This department has worked hard to build our name for this county,” Robichaux wrote.
In a subsequent comment, Robichaux said Joppa firefighters and members of the surrounding departments put their own safety at risk while protecting residents and property.
“We give our sweat, blood and time to making sure this community is protected and safe,” he wrote.
Other residents offered shorter messages of support. Wilda Malone wrote, “I think y’all do a great job,” while Valerie Watson told the department, “I appreciate you guys more than you know.”
Tim McAnnally wrote, “You guys rock it!! keep up the strong work and know you are appreciated and trusted.”
The department’s statement also addressed another problem at its station on Alabama Highway 69, saying a fire truck warning sign in front of Station 1 had been torn down and removed.
The writer said the department already struggles with motorists failing to yield to emergency vehicles as trucks leave the station.
“At this point, a little respect and support for what we do would go a long way,” the statement said.
The writer closed by asking residents to consider the strain the recent fires and subsequent allegations have placed on the volunteer department.
“Whoever reads this, please pause, know that we are struggling and take into account the efforts as well as sacrifices the members and command staff are making to help keep Joppa safe,” the statement said. “We don’t need more problems, especially having our efforts diminished or a black mark on our department name from the actions of someone else.”
The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the series of fires. WAFF reported that anyone with information concerning the incidents is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Tribune will update this story as additional information becomes available from investigators.
