Several Fire Departments Battle Weleetka Building Fire In Frigid Temperatures

A Weleetka building is a total loss after an early morning fire caused incredible damage. Firefighters battled dangerous weather conditions in addition to the flames.

Crews were called to the fire around 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.

“We don’t have very many builds here in Weleetka,” said Jimpsey Micco, fire chief. “Just trying to hold onto what we got.”

The department is made up of 13 volunteers. It took some time to get everyone called in and the snowy weather made it take even longer.

Micco called for backup.

“We had Wetumka, Plainview, Salem and Henryetta show up to assist us in this fire,” he said.

Micco said the dangerous temperatures and windchills made it even harder to control.

“The equipment is not built to fight fire at one degree or whatever the windchill was,” he said. “You’re getting yourself wet, then you’re walking around like a big icicle.”

A man was inside the building when the fire started but crews say he made it out safely. Despite the weather, Micco said all firefighters made it home.

“It takes heart and love for the community,” he said. “If you’re going to be out here in one degree, you’ve got to have heart and love the community.”