Athens firefighters rescue resident from burning house

The following was released today by the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department

 At approximately 10:40 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Athens-Clarke County Fire Department crews responded to a reported residential structure fire in the 600 block of North Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions in 80% of the one-story structure and immediately began coordinated suppression and rescue operations.

Rescue 4 and Engine 21 worked together to establish a water supply and initiate fire attack while

additional crews, assessed conditions for an interior search. Firefighters forced entry through a

side door and, using a thermal imaging camera, identified an occupant inside the residence.

Rescue 4’s crew quickly made entry, removed the patient from the home, and transferred patient

care to Engine 21’s personnel. National EMS took over patient care, transported the patient to

Piedmont Athens Regional who was later transferred to Augusta Burn Center.

Firefighters from other Athens-Clarke County units continued extinguishment efforts and

conducted a systematic search of the remaining tenable areas of the structure, ultimately

confirming all occupants were accounted for.

“This incident highlights the importance of coordinated fire attack, rapid decision-making, and

selfless teamwork,” said Chief Nate Moss.

“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 actively investigating.