Friday fires keep firefighters busy

The first, reported just after 6:30 a.m. Friday morning, was a vehicle and structure fire in the 500 block of Tucker Road. First arriving firefighters found a small service truck that was parked in a pole barn.

“Both the structure and vehicle were fully involved upon firefighters arrival,” said Barrow County Emergency Services public information officer Lt. Scott Dakin. “Crews had to fight the fire from the outside of the structure but were able to bring the blaze under control before a nearby structure and large diesel tank became involved.”

Engines 3 and 7, Truck 7, Battalion 1 were dispatched to battle the blaze. After the fire was brought under control, emergency services personnel discovered a 250 gallon diesel tank on the service truck had developed a leak.

Interim chief John Skinner and deputy chief Bryan Bullock responded to the scene along with Shannon Young of Barrow County Storm Water to assess the spill. Barrow County Roads and Bridges crews also responded and constructed a dam to prevent any of the spilled diesel from leaking into a nearby creek. The homeowner is currently working with the Environmental Protection Agency to clean up the spill.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Investigation Unit.

A few hours later, Engines 1 and 6, Med 3, Ladder 7 and Battalion 1 were dispatched to a structure fire on Joseph Griggs Road. First arriving firefighters found a vacant house fully involved in fire.

“The home was basically on the ground as fire crews arrived,” Dakin said. “Firefighters placed water lines around the home and extinguished the fire.”
Chief Skinner also responded to this call and assisted fire crews. The cause of the fire is listed as an accidental human act.

The third fire of the day was reported just before 2 p.m. Engine 7 was dispatched to a grass fire in the Riverwalk subdivision. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a small area of grass and kudzu had burned and ignited a small outbuilding.

“The building was on the ground and the homeowner was on the scene extinguishing it as crews arrived,” Dakin said. “Firefighters assisted the home owner with extinguishment of the fire.”

The cause of this fire is listed as an accidental human act.

“Citizens are reminded to use caution anytime they are doing any outdoor burning,” said Dakin. “We have had plenty of rain this winter, however the grass and yard debris are still dry and a fire can burn very quickly out of control.”