August 8, 2009
Flames completely destroyed the former Triangle Restaurant building located on South Brindlee Mountain Parkway early Saturday morning.  The building, owned by Austin Hinds Motors, was being used as a storage building for the business. 

The building was already fully involved when the fire was reported to Marshall County 911 shortly after 1 a.m.  The building  was completely engulfed in flames when Arab Fire & Rescue personnel arrived on scene.  Firefighters concentrated on controlling the spread of the flames to surrounding buildings and vehicles.  The building was surrounded by vehicles from the auto business.  Firefighters fought the blaze for approximately three hours.

Arab Fire Chief Ricky Phillips surveys the fire firefighting efforts from the back of a roll back wrecker parked near the building.  Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

All available Arab firefighters were called in to help fight the blaze.  All of the departments Engines and trucks were on scene.  Fire fighting efforts were hampered by a lack of fire hydrants near the fire scene.  Firefighters refilled truck tanks at a hydrant located near the Phoenix Chinese Restaurant.  Tanker  trucks from 4-C, Joppa, and Tri-County Volunteer Fire Departments were called to assist with the water supply.

Arab Firefighter Roger Whisenant was injured during the fire and was transported to Marshall Medical Center North by ambulance for evaluation.  Whisenant reported pain and numbness in his neck.

Austin Hinds, owner of the building, said the building was used for storage.   The cause of the blaze is being investigated by Arab Fire & Rescue.

Units from the Arab Police Department assisted with traffic control.

Arab Fire Rescue Lieutenant Jackie Ridgeway operates the main pumper supplying water to fight the blaze.  Water was supplied to the pumper by hooking to the other trucks on scene.  Firefighters shuttled water from the nearest hydrant about a quarter mile away.  Tankers from Joppa, Tri-County & 4-C Fire Departments assisted with the water supply.             Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

Fire engines line up to provide water to the main pumper truck supplying water to firefighters manning the hoses.                            Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

Flames were reaching 50 to 60 feet in to the air when Arab Firefighters arrived on the Hinds Motors fire scene.                                  Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

Arab Firefighter Matt Farley sprays water to keep fire from spreading to vehicles in front of the building.                                 Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes