Overview
- The fire began before dawn in a wood‑frame commercial building on the 1300 block of 20th Street South near Cobb Lane and quickly spread to neighboring residences.
- Birmingham Fire and Rescue evacuated two small apartment buildings, and no injuries had been reported as crews continued checks of occupancy.
- At least one previously involved building reignited and became fully engulfed again a few hours after the initial outbreak.
- Roughly 18 fire units with an estimated 50 to 75 firefighters responded, and crews requested increased water pressure from Birmingham Water Works to support suppression.
- WVTM reported at least 18 people displaced, multiple structures suffered heavy damage including a roof collapse, and the ATF joined the investigation into the cause.