January 9, 2026 — Crews from Baldwin County Fire Rescue responded to a smoldering building fire on Deepstep Road after a pole barn ignited earlier in the day while the property owner was away at work. Engine 5 and Squad 17 arrived to find residual fire conditions involving a chicken coop, a tractor, and a dirt bike located beneath the pole barn structure. Firefighters worked to extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the scene, preventing any further spread. Four chickens housed in the coop were impacted by the fire. Following an investigation, officials determined the cause to be accidental, traced to a heat lamp inside the chicken coop that had been knocked over, igniting nearby materials. No injuries were reported, and responders reminded residents to use extra caution with heat lamps and similar equipment, particularly in agricultural and outbuilding settings.