A 38-year-old man died Tuesday morning following a flash fire in Walker County that investigators say was accidentally caused by the application of spray foam insulation inside a small, enclosed building.
A 38-year-old man died Tuesday morning following an explosion and structure fire in Walker County.
Walker County Fire Rescue responded to 116 Alton Terrace Spur around 8:25 AM Tuesday after a neighbor reported a fire at the location.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames coming from a small outbuilding near the road. After extinguishing the fire, crews discovered the body of a man inside the structure.
According to investigators, a neighbor reported seeing the man enter the building shortly before the explosion occurred.
Authorities are withholding the victim’s name pending positive identification and notification of his next of kin.
The incident marks Walker County’s first fire-related fatality of 2026.
The Walker County Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate what caused the explosion and resulting fire. Investigators have ruled out foul play.
Walker County is moving forward with plans for a new Fire Rescue headquarters and replacement for Fire Station 1 in Rock Spring.
Walker County will hold a Patriot Day service on Friday, September 11, to recognize and remember first responders on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The public service, led by Walker County Fire Rescue and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, will begin at 8:40 AM on the steps of the Walker County Courthouse in LaFayette.
The September 11 attacks were the deadliest incident in U.S. history for firefighters, police officers and other first responders, with nearly 400 first responders killed that day. Hundreds more have since died from illnesses linked to their work at the attack sites.
Students from LaFayette High School’s JROTC and chorus programs, along with students from Ridgeland High School, will take part in the ceremony.
Also participating will be Congressman Clay Fuller, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, Walker County Fire Chief Blake Hodge and other local first responders.
The ceremony will be held at the Walker County Courthouse, 103 South Duke Street in LaFayette, and is scheduled to conclude at 9:10 AM.
Limited seating will be available for those unable to stand.