Councilwoman says arson is cause of house fires in Ward 7

Selma City’s Ward 7 has experienced a rash of fires in homes over the last year, including a resurgence of cases in recent weeks.  

Selma City Councilwoman Jannie Thomas, who represents Ward 7, is concerned the fires are caused by arson, and she wants to put a stop to it before someone gets hurt or killed.  

However, she has not been able to get information from Selma Fire Department and neither has the Selma Sun.  

“I would like to have more reports on these house fires just to know what is going on,” she said. “I want to let everyone know what’s going on in the Ward. The people matter.”  

Thomas said some of the homes are abandoned, but some have occupants. On LL Anderson, two people living in a home that was set on fire were injured recently. Both went to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where one is still getting care, she said.   

“It’s frightening the people in our neighborhood.” Thomas said. She said the fear comes especially since the fires are being set in the early morning hours. “If you are asleep at three or four in the morning, and the house next to you is on fire,” it causes fear.  

Thomas said she asked Selma Police Department for more patrols in the early morning hours when the fires are happening, and Chief Kenta Fulford said he would.   

She also asked the fire department to be more forthcoming with information on these fires but has not received a return call. “I’m giving them time. I’d like to see the reports they have. As the representative I would like to know.”  

The Selma Sun also called longtime interim Chief Frank Edwards for comment and has not received a return call.  

Fires at homes in Ward 7 is not new. About a year ago, there was another rash of fires that Thomas suspects were due to arson, but no one was caught for starting them.  

Despite a lack of information from officials, Thomas said there are witnesses to prove the fires are being set. There was one home where someone set a wicker chair full of trash on fire next to the door, but the neighbor saw the fire and warned the residents before the fire spread.  

“Down on Minter Avenue, we had three houses on fire,” she said. “It burned down all three houses.”   

Thomas said the fires have occurred mostly in the blocks between First Avenue in the north and LL Anderson in the south. And between Church Street to the west, Lauderdale Street to the east.   

One problem Thomas pointed out is the number of abandoned houses in disrepair that are present in Ward 7. “People are not upkeeping the property. Houses that people are not living in need to come down.”   

These homes she said are attracting problems with homeless and attracting whoever is setting fires.   

“I’mvery concerned because these fires happen early in the morning. Everybody is sleeping at 3:30, 4:30 and 5 in the morning.” To the residents of Ward 7, especially those in the block that seem to be most affected, Thomas said keep your eyes and ears open. Keep the area around your home clean from debris and make sure you can see and hear anything unusual.