A fire injured one person and heavily damaged Just GM Auto & Truck Repair Plus in Cullman, AL, on Oct. 7.
Cullman Fire Rescue responded to reports of an explosion at the local business, located at 105 Third Ave. SW at 10:06 a.m. Authorities said the fire was completely extinguished by 10:45 a.m.
Firefighters from Cullman Fire Rescue Stations 1, 2 and 3 responded to the scene, along with Cullman EMS personnel and members of the Cullman Police Department.
Cullman Fire Chief Brian Bradberry confirmed one person sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick confirmed there were no fatalities.
Cullman Fire Chief of Operations Darren Peeples said, “The preliminary findings are that while one of the workers was working on a vehicle, something ignited a fire. He was injured and transported. In the course of them trying to get equipment and vehicles moved, they did call Fire Rescue immediately. Fire suppression measures were taken immediately, but it did quite a bit of damage to the main structure of the building.”
The Cullman Police Department posted to its Facebook page: “This morning at 10:06 a.m., Cullman City Communications Division received a call concerning a fire at Just GM located on 3rd Ave NW. According to witnesses, an employee was underneath a vehicle working on it, when a gas line ruptured and began to spray fuel. The fuel ignited and after efforts to put the fire out were unsuccessful, they called 911. One employee was transported to Cullman Regional Medical Center via ambulance. Thanks to Cullman City Fire and Rescue for their quick response. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured employee.”
Two vehicles inside the structure were damaged.
Just GM Auto & Truck Repair Plus posted to its Facebook page:
“As most of you have heard our shop caught fire this morning. The good news is we are all OK aside from some burns on our tech Jimbo Hulgan who needs your healing prayers. The bad news is our shop is pretty much a total loss.
"If you have a vehicle here, please email us your name and number and details about your vehicle so we can get with you about pick up at a later time. Thank you! Justgmauto@gmail.com.”
Abby Andrews