Anniston, AL. – On February 16, 2026, at approximately 12:10 pm, the City of Anniston Fire Department received a call regarding a possible structure fire at 1610 Warrior Road at the Warrior Apartments. Upon arrival firefighters could visibly see heavy smoke coming from the reported building. The Calhoun Journal spoke with Assistant Chief, Kat Meherg, who advised that the initial dispatch included three engines and a command vehicle but with multiple calls coming into dispatch she made the decision to request more units. In total five engines and truck 1 were requested to respond to the scene.
Arriving firefighters quickly gained entry to the apartment unit and began fighting the blaze that had also started to enter the attic. Assistant Chief Meherg also stated, “All of the residents had gotten out of the building, but firefighters were still able to rescue a few pets in other surrounding apartments.”
Assistant Chief Meherg also advised that were 17 firefighters and 1 Anniston Fire Marshal on scene working to put the fire out as quickly as possible. She went on to say, “They got a really good stop on it and kept it from spreading to more units.” The fire was declared to be out by approximately 12:45 pm but the building is uninhabitable due to smoke and water damage.
She also wanted to thank power and gas companies, the building management team, and the Red Cross for getting to the scene as quickly as they did, “It was a real team effort”, stated A.C. Meherg.
None of the firefighters were injured during the fire and the cause is still under investigation.
Anniston Fire Chief, Johnnie Phelps, stated, “They made a fantastic stop on the fire and saved multiple livelihoods. As Chief, I am so proud of the commitment and professionalism our Anniston Firefighters embody.”
