New wildfire erupts on Lookout Mountain In DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, AL (WAFF) - A new wildfire raged on Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County just days after the Forestry Commission contained another major fire.

Forestry officials say they're dealing with three active fires now, and at least one of those is an arson case.

There's another large fire on Lookout Mountain that started Wednesday morning just south of one last week that burned nearly a thousand acres.

"It's always been a concern. You live in the woods, it's a concern.," said Ric Hall, whose home is being threatened by fire.

This is the first time Hall has had to deal with a wildfire so close to his home in 25 years, so he took action when it broke.

"When the fire started yesterday morning, I got out there and started blowing the paths and the trails we have around here," said Hall.

Approximately 100 acres have burned so far. The fire is approximately 50 percent contained.

Structures are the biggest concern. Choppers are d ropping water, and fire crews are stationed near three or four homes.

Forestry officials hope to get the fire contained quickly or else they could have bigger problems.

"If it gets past us we still have that whole row down County Road 89, which would probably be 20 something structures," said Terry Ezzell with the Alabama Forestry Commission.

The fact that it's arson makes it even more frustrating.

"Without being colorful, it's disturbing. I don't understand those kind of people," said Hall.

Ezzell said the arson case is being actively investigated by the state fire marshal's office.

The governor's office is offering a $5,000 reward in the case.

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