Officials bring wildfires under control along Highway 43

Tuscaloosa Sheriff's Sergeant Andy Norris says that a stretch of Highway 43 northbound in Tuscaloosa County was shut down around rush hour Friday evening due to wildfires.

A grass fire stretched from Cherokee Shroes to Old Fayette Road and spread toa  nearby wood line. This fire is smoldering and the Alabama Forestry Service continues to monitor it and said earlier today that it burned no more than six acres.

There were also several additional small grass fires along Highway 43 north towards Samantha but those have been extinguished.

Sgt. Norris says the highway reopened shortly after 6 p.m. and authorities believe the fire was started by sparks from an object that may have been dragged in the roadway, such as a chain.

A piece of chain link was found in the roadway by a firefighter. Norris says there is no evidence the fire was set intentionally and encourages drivers with trailer to make sure all safety chains and ramps aren't making contact with the roadway.

Check back to MyFoxAl.com for additional information as this story develops.

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