Fallen tree crushes Athens house, causes fire

By Joe Johnson

A house at 235 Willow Run was badly damaged last week when a large tree fell on it and caused a fire to break out.

Fortunately no one was home at the time, and a dog was rescued by firefighters who forced entry into the residence.

The incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and it was reported by a neighbor who called 911.

“The impact of the tree seems to have damaged some wiring in the home, enough to cause a fire,” said Corporal Adam Gardner, spokesman for the Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services Department.

Engine 24 arrived first to find the tree crashed into the house with flames extending from the roof. The crew forced entry through the front door and made a fast attack on the fire.

While conducting their primary search, the firefighters found a dog and removed it from the dangerous environment.

Additional fire units assisted with incident command, water supply, secondary search, and salvage and overhaul.

The involved units included Engine 24, Engine 21, Engine 23, Engine 28, Rescue 4, Ladder 1, Hazmat 1, Car 31, and Car 34.