BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A problem with an incinerator at Johns-Ridout's Funeral Parlor during a cremation started a fire on the roof of the University Boulevard business and sent a plume of black smoke over Southside's rush hour traffic.

Birmingham firefighters were called to the business shortly before 5 p.m.

The fire was extinguished, but shortly before 6 p.m. the cloud of smoke continued to be seen as cars zipped along 22nd Street South.

That smoke was created by the body that is being cremated, firefighters said.

Firefighters will remain on the scene until the cremation is complete, said Battalion Chief Terry Beckham.

Follow @jgray78

Follow @Birmingham_News