Family narrowly escapes house fire

A Barrow County family barely escaped a house fire Thursday morning thanks to assistance from passers-by who stopped and rendered aide.

Authorities began receiving 911 calls about the fire at 8:06 a.m. indicating that people were still inside the burning home.

“If it were not for the heroic efforts of people like Britani Allison and Brent Leach, the outcome could have been much worse,” said Lt. Rob Nowakowski with Barrow County Emergency Services.

Allison, of Bogart, was reportedly driving with her children when she saw the flaming home at 715 Hog Mountain Road. People outside the residence alerted her that a child was still inside.

“When I entered the house, it was very hot and the smoke was so thick I could not see my hands or feet,” said Allison, when interviewed by department personnel. “My adrenaline was pumping and I did what I would expect someone to do for me.”

After nearly five minutes in the house, Allison was able to find the child and carry her from the burning house. There, she cared for her until emergency personnel arrived. Alison was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to an area hospital by Barrow County Emergency Services.

When Leach, of Watkinsville, drove by, he reportedly saw Allison carrying the child outside and stopped to offer assistance. He was told that a female was still inside. He entered the rear of the residence and searched for the female until he could not stand the smoke and heat any longer. As he exited the burning house, he learned the female had made it out, emergency services reported.

Four people were transported to an area hospital, with one child later being transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.