The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire that started inside a former recycling facility early Wednesday morning on Tallyho Street. 

Cullman Fire Chief Ed Reinhardt said city firefighters provided mutual aid to Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department when his department got the call shortly before 5 a.m. Crews several hours into the morning extinguishing the blaze inside the vacant warehouse building, which previously housed JCR Recycling, until it was finally put out around 10 a.m.

“The small storage area where there was still some bottles and other recyclable items was a total loss while the rest of the building had smoke and heat damage. The upper part of the office area also had some fire damage,” Reinhardt said. 

The state fire marshal typically investigates fires when there’s a fatality or when a local fire chief, insurance company or property owner request it. 

Cullman and Bethsadia firefighters were assisted by Cullman County sheriff’s deputies, Cullman EMS and the Cullman Power Board who had personnel respond to shut off power to the building. 

“The Red Cross also came out and gave out refreshments to the firefighters which was appreciated,” he said.