Deadly house fire in west Athens

The following was released this morning by the Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services Department:

At approximately 2:18 a.m. this morning, Athens-Clarke County

Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 203 Briarcliff Road. First-

arriving units reached the scene at 2:21 a.m. and encountered heavy fire conditions throughout

the home.

Due to the intensity and spread of the flames, crews were unable to conduct a search of the

structure. Firefighters initiated defensive operations to bring the fire under control.

Due to floor collapse and a lack of structural integrity, crews could not immediately enter the

structure. Approximately three hours after initial dispatch, a body was located inside the

structure. The Athens-Clarke County Coroner’s Office is currently working to confirm the

identity of the deceased and determine the official cause of death.

“This is a tragic event, and our hearts go out to the family and all those impacted,” said Fire

Chief Nate Moss. “Our firefighters responded swiftly under dangerous conditions and did

everything possible to manage the fire and preserve life.”

The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Athens-Clarke County Fire Marshal’s

Office in collaboration with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Coroner’s

Office.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.