Gadsden, AL (January 26, 2026) – A tragic house fire in East Gadsden claimed the life of an elderly man on Saturday morning, drawing a major emergency response from local fire and utility crews.
The fire broke out on January 24 at approximately 7:47 a.m. in the 1006 block of Wainwright Ave, directly across from Gadsden Fire Station #3 in the Green Pastures community. Firefighters at the nearby station witnessed the smoke and flames and responded immediately to the scene.
According to Gadsden Fire Battalion Chief Lecil Harrelson, crews arrived to find the residence heavily engulfed in flames. Neighbors informed first responders that someone may still have been inside the burning structure. Despite the rapid response and firefighting efforts, an elderly male victim was discovered deceased inside the home.
Multiple agencies, including the Glencoe Fire Department, Gadsden Police, Alabama Power, Spire Gas, and A-Med Ambulance Services, assisted at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation.
Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and the entire community as they cope with this heartbreaking loss.
