Family escapes fire unharmed

Engines 3 and 6, Med 6, Ladder 7 and Battalion 1 responded to the May 16 fire in the 300 block of Stonegate Drive.

First arriving firefighters found heavy smoke showing from the attic and roof of the structure. Most of the flames were in the attic above the kitchen. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and cut a ventilation hole to clear smoke from the residence. The American Red Cross was called to assist the displaced family.

The Fire Investigation Unit was called to determine the cause of the fire. The preliminary investigation indicates the origin was possibly an outdoor light over the back deck.

“This fire could have been much worse if not for the activation of smoke alarms to alert the sleeping family that a fire was in their home,” said Barrow County Emergency Services public information officer Lt. Scott Dakin. “That is why we stress the need to have working smoke alarms in your home. At a minimum you need smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside the sleeping areas.”