Fire at Mobile County Metro Jail

Mobile Fire-Rescue Department units were dispatched at about 6:26 a.m. for a report of a commercial building fire on St. Emmanuel Street in Mobile, Alabama, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. After initial dispatch, the location was updated to 450 St. Emmanuel Street at the Mobile County Metro Jail and the call type was updated to be a structure fire with high life hazard.

While en route, Engine 3 noted smoke visible from a distance and radioed to others that it would be a working fire. When they arrived on scene, they noted smoke and flames visible from the roof of the single-story building at the jail Metro jail. Employees had already evacuated and were outside the building.

Engine 3 and other arriving crews established a water supply and took hoses into the building. Inside, they found a commercial-sized set six dryers two on fire. Truck 4 used its aerial to gain access to the roof and sent a crew up with tools. On the roof, a large vent had burned through and ignited materials adjacent to the vent.

Personnel worked with fire hoses on the roof and inside to extinguish the flames, and used saws and tools to remove areas around the vent to check for any extension. They used thermal imaging cameras to make sure all materials were out and cooled.

The fire occurred in the laundry room and was contained to the dryers and their ventilation system. Inmates were not reported to be present in the building at the time of the fire.

There were no reports of any injuries. The fire has been classified as accidental.