Barges Catch Fire in Alabama

The U.S. Coast Guard said it is working with local agencies to respond to a barge fire on the Mobile River near Mobile, Ala.

Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report from Mobile County Fire Department that a barge carrying scrap metal caught fire at mile marker three on the Mobile River at approximately 10 a.m. on Sunday.

According to Mobile Fire-Rescue, two linked barges carrying demolished/crushed cars are ablaze.

No crewmembers were reported to be aboard the barges when they went up in flames, and there have been no reports of injuries or pollution.

The barges are aground on the riverbank.

Mobile County Fire Department is on scene conducting firefighting efforts while a Coast Guard Station Dauphin Island 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew is escorting vessel traffic through the area.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.