December has been a busy month for personnel with the Atmore Fire Department.

Numerous fires have been reported to the department keeping firefighters on their toes throughout the holiday season.

Monday afternoon, firemen worked to contain a brush fire in an open field off Presley Street near the Florida state line, which bordered Briar Lake subdivision and Tom Byrne Park. Despite windy conditions, firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire, which was reported just after 1 p.m., not allowing it to spread to nearby houses with assistance from the Poarch Creek Fire Department, the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department and the Alabama Division of Forestry.

In addition, Sunday night, the department responded to a mobile home fire off Main Street, which caused damage to the dwelling.

On Dec. 15, Atmore fire personnel assisted with a large brush fire, reported to be about 25 acres, at Hwy. 4A and Backwoods Drive near Century, Fla. Firefighters worked to keep the fire away from several structures, including houses on Chavers Lane.

Fire units from Century, Flomaton, McDavid, Walnut Hill, Molino and Friendship assisted in battling the large blaze. The Florida Division of Forestry was also called to the scene.

These fires add to the busy day Atmore personnel had on Dec. 3 when a mobile home was gutted off Jacks Springs Road and another received smoke and water damage off Martin Luther King Drive.

Fire officials urge residents to use caution when burning leaves and other materials in hopes of preventing similar fires in the future.