Loyall, Ky. Man Exposes Firefighters to Bear Mace During Fight at a Baxter Fire

From WRIL The Big One -

Bradley Enlow - HCDC

On Saturday night July 4, 2026, several first responders were on scene at a Nolan’s Branch Lane residence in Baxter, Ky. due to a house fire.  Once on scene, firefighters began to attack the fire when an altercation between two individuals broke out resulting in the release of a chemical agent Kentucky State Police say was bear mace.

According to the citation, KSP Trooper Stephens responded just after 11:00 pm, finding Harlan County Deputy Jacob Rich on scene.  Deputy Rich stated that 44-year-old Bradley Enlow of Loyall, Ky. arrived at the residence with his fiancé’.  The deputy further stated that he heard the homeowner, his fiancé’s ex-husband, and Enlow verbally arguing which resulted in a physical fight with Enlow spraying bear mace on the homeowner.  The two then fell to the ground and officers broke it up.

Enlow told the troopers that he went to the home because his fiancé’s children were there while the fire was happening.  Enlow claims he was told to leave by the ex-husband and the man began walking towards him which caused Enlow to spray him with the mace and both fell to the ground. The ex-husband and one other eyewitness were interviewed and echoed what Enlow stated.

Trooper Stephens was then notified that firefighters had been exposed to the bear mace and were suffering burning of their eyes and face with one firefighter falling to the ground. 

Assistant Fire Chief of the Sunshine Fire Deptartment, Ashley Hatfield, tells us that her firefighters were seriously affected by this and that six personnel were transported by EMS ambulances to the Harlan ARH emergency room. Hatfield added that three others were treated on scene by EMS crews.

Among those affected was Chief Steven Hatfield who was treated "for serious issues," another is a minor and junior firefighter.

All firefighters were treated for lung and eye injuries and were checked for cardiovascular damage. They were released at 5:00am Sunday, July 5th.

Bradley Enlow was taken into custody and lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center, charged with criminal trespass – 3^rd degree, menacing, obstructing governmental operations, and assault – 4^th degree (minor injury).