Ider Fire Department burns while firefighters on meth lab explosion call
By Martha Broyles
Staff Writer
While Ider firefighters were busy Monday morning fighting a mobile home fire apparently caused by
a meth lab explosion, a call went out that the town's fire department building was in flames.
According to Lt. Brad Hannah of the Ider Fire Department, Ider firefighters receieved a fire call
about a mobile home on Pony Lane in Ider around 9:45 a.m. Monday morning. When firemen arrived at the scene, they discovered
what appeared to be a meth lab which had exploded causing the fire. The Dekalb County Drug Task Force was called to the scene.
Drug Task Force Commander Darrel Collins stated that when agents from the task force arrived they
found the cause of the fire appeared to be from a meth lab explosion.
"It appeared that there was more than one meth lab operation at the mobile home at the time the
fire broke out. According to the deputy fire marshall the cause of the fire was from an explosion of the meth labs," Collins
said.
There were no occupants at the mobile home when officers arrived. nNo arrests have been made but
the case is under investigation.
Firefighters were on the scene of the meth lab explosion for almost an hour. A hazardous chemical
clean up was performed at the residence.
Two firefighters, who were apparently overtaken with fumes from the explosion, were taken to Dekalb
BMC by Ider Rescue Squad.
Fire Chief Steve Hannah and Fireman T.J. Cloud were transported to the hospital where they spent
several hours being treated for smoke inhalation and dehydration before being released.
"We were enroute to the hospital with my father and T.J. when we got the call that the fire department
was burning," Brad Hannah Said.
According to Hannah, someone passing by the fire department noticed smoke coming from the building
and ran in to inform workers at the city hall, which is located next door to the fire department.
Fire departments from Henagar, Cartersville, Sylvania and Fort Payne responded to the fire call
at Ider Fire Hall.
Firefighters worked for approximately two hours at the scene. One fire engine and the fire hall
were totally destroyed, According to Hannah.
"Although the cause of the fire is not yet known, the fire marshall said it started from under the
hood of Engine-one, which, thankfully, was the only fire truck in the building at the time." Hannah said.
Immediately following the news of the fire, the department began to recieve offers of help from
community citizens.
"David Hammonds donated two of his buildings to house the trucks and equipment until we find a more
permanent place and we really appreciate that. Mark McCurdy has offered to donate a garage building for us to use as long
as we need it. We've had offers from every fire departmentin the county for use of their equipment if we need it. It will
take a couple months, probably, to have everything back in order and we greatly appreciate all the prayers and offers of help"
Hannah stated.
Although the fire hall was destroyed, the citizens of Ider can rest assured that they have fire
protection.
"We are still receiving fire calls, we even responded to one Monday night and we're going to keep
running," Hannah said. "Its going to be a little hard for a while but we're still able to get the job done."
Ider Mayor Lila McCurdy stated that she is waiting on the word from the insurance company before
making and decisions.
"I've received a flood of calls from people offering to write grants when the time comes for that.
It's very reassuring to know that others care," McCurdy said. "We have a good group of firefighters who are very hard workers.
I'm very proud of them."
Donations to the Ider Fire Department may be made to the Ider Town Hall, in care of the Ider Fire
Department, and at First Federal Of Ider.
