Fire crews continue to battle Waterloo wild fire - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Fire crews in Lauderdale County are working to extinguish a wild fire that is threatening several homes.

This is the second fire in Waterloo since this weekend.

This fire started on County Road 90 Monday afternoon. The first fire started on County Road 187 Sunday.

Officials estimate about 200 acres have burned so far. No injuries have been reported.

Some homes are in danger and fire officials are working to save those.

Waterloo Firefighters and the Forestry Commission are battling the blaze.

Strong winds are causing problems for firefighters. Officials say as soon as one section is contained, a wind gust picks up the flames and the fire jumps the line.

The fire on County Road 187 started when a controlled burn got out of control due to weather conditions. It's unknown how the fire on County Road 90 was sparked on Monday.

As of Wednesday, an estimated 600 acres has already been destroyed, and that number is rising.

Fire crews have been out here well over 48 hours. They say the winds and dry conditions are hindering their progress.

"We've been here all night last night running three dozers and man power. At this point, we're up to a minimum of 600 acres," said Waterloo Fire Chief Ted Kavich.

It's the largest fire Chief Kavich and his crews have battled in Waterloo.

"If you were up here yesterday, it looked like a wave coming in on a beach. It moved that fast across this area before anybody could get control… And it leaves nothing," Kavich said.

He said this area was replanted with pine and sage grass two years ago.

Now all that's left is charred debris, white ash and a fire burning out of control.

"We do not have control of it…You can see behind me the extent of the burn. Very seldom do you see this in Alabama. It's white ash. It was just so hot coming through here yesterday afternoon we nearly lost a truck or two because the flames overrode us," he said.

The wind gusts are causing even more danger for crews who have already been working around the clock.

"It's very dangerous for the state for us both right now because the winds change so much up here on these hillsides. You've got to be careful and watch that it doesn't change directions and overrun you," said Kavich. "Some of the other departments in the county have sent us some folks and we're using them to supplement the guys that are in bed right now trying to get some rest."

Right now their focus is to save nearly 20 homes that could soon be in the direct line of fire.

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