ATHENS, Ga. — Firefighters with the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department rushed into a burning home on Christmas Eve and rescued a person trapped inside as flames consumed most of the house.
According to Assistant Fire Marshal Capt. Kevin Kearney, crews were dispatched around 10:40 p.m. on Dec. 24 to the 600 block of North Avenue after reports of a residential structure fire. When firefighters arrived, about 80% of the one-story home was already engulfed in flames, with heavy smoke pouring through the structure.
Despite the intense conditions, Kearney said firefighters immediately split into rescue and fire attack teams.
Firefighters forced entry through a side door and used a thermal imaging camera to see through the smoke. Inside the home, they located a person still trapped. Firefighters moved quickly, pulling the victim from the burning house and turning them over to EMTs for emergency care.
National EMS transported the patient to Piedmont Athens Regional. The patient was later transferred to the Augusta Burn Center for specialized treatment.
Firefighters from multiple stations continued battling the blaze and carefully searched the remaining areas of the home. Firefighters confirmed no additional occupants were inside.
“This incident highlights the importance of coordinated fire attack, rapid decision-making, and selfless teamwork,” Fire Chief Nate Moss said. “Because of the quick actions of our firefighters, a person was located and life-saving efforts were made under extremely challenging conditions. We are extremely proud of their actions.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kearney at 706-613-3365.
