One person sustained minor injuries after escaping a residential structure fire in Gordon County early Saturday morning, November 14.
According to Gordon County Fire Rescue, firefighters were dispatched to a home in the 100 block of Gravely Road SE at approximately 1 a.m. Crews arrived within minutes and encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of the residence.
Fire officials reported that approximately 40 percent of the home was involved in the fire when crews arrived.
Firefighters immediately began working to extinguish the flames while conducting a rapid search of the residence to ensure no additional occupants remained inside.
The occupant of the home suffered minor injuries after falling while attempting to escape the burning structure. The individual was evaluated and treated at the scene by AdventHealth Gordon EMS before being released.
No injuries were reported among responding firefighters.
Investigators believe the fire was accidental, although the official cause remains under investigation.
Following the incident, Gordon County Fire Chief Heath Derryberry reminded residents of the importance of having a fire escape plan and maintaining working smoke alarms throughout their homes.
“Having a plan in place before a fire occurs can make the difference between life and death. Every household should have two ways out of every room, establish a designated meeting place outside, and practice their escape plan with everyone in the home. Working smoke alarms provide an early warning that can give you and your family the additional time needed to escape safely. Smoke alarms should be installed inside and outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home,” Derryberry said.
Gordon County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to review their household fire escape plans, regularly test smoke alarms, and replace batteries or alarms when necessary.
The investigation into Saturday morning’s fire remains ongoing.