VHFD on scene at fire in Helena

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department and several fire departments from Shelby County are on the scene of a fire at River Road and County Road 13 in Helena.

"We have personnel responding to the explosion in Shelby County. Jefferson County EMA has requested their UTV that we house to respond in support of the large operation that is ongoing," VHFD said on its Facebook page.

"Please avoid Shelby Co 13 / Bibb Co 12 and the Morgan Road area. Significant resources are responding to that location."

Eight or nine members of a work crew were working on the Colonial gas pipeline when it exploded, and all members of the work crew were injured, according to Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Ken Burchfield. The explosion happened around 3 p.m., and the fire has grown to more than 200 feet, Burchfield said. The fire is “really big,” and will not likely be out soon, he said.

Despite the size of the fire, it is remote and there will be few residents affected, Burchfield said.

Shelby County Emergency Management Agency officials are on the scene and working to secure equipment and personnel needed at the scene, and roadways in the area are closed. Local traffic is still able to pass through, but drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes until further notice.