Investigators will probe the cause of an overnight fire that injured two people at 1433 Yonah Post Road in southern Habersham County.
Habersham County E-9-1-1 received at call at 12:20 a.m. Wednesday reporting the fire.
“Initial reports were an elderly female who was handicapped was still inside the residence and people were attempting to get her out,” said Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black. “HCES Engines 12, 14, Tanker 13, Medics 12 and 21, Battalion 1, Captain 1 and Lee Arrendale Fire responded on the initial alarm."
A deputy from Habersham County Sheriff’s Office was the first to arrive and reported a working fire and that everyone was out of the structure.
“HCES units arrived and immediately requested HCES Tanker 17, Baldwin Fire Engine 4 and Banks County Tanker 5 for personnel and water due to no hydrants in the immediate area,” Black said. “The approximately 2,500-square-foot structure was 70% involved in fire. Personnel took a defensive operation due to the percentage of fire and the structure was deemed unsafe for offensive operations.”
A total of five people made it outside the home. One female occupant was transported by ambulance to Northeast Georgia Medical Center due to smoke inhalation, while a male was transported by ambulance for treatment of minor burns.
The other occupants were not injured and required no medical assistance.
“Multiple explosions occurred during the fire, one from a 20-pound propane cylinder that was located on the front porch that was subsequently launched into the wooded area due to direct flame impingement, oxygen cylinders and ammo that was inside the residence also contributed to the explosion sounds, and some initial unsafe conditions for emergency personnel,” Black said.
Units remained on scene for more than five hours before returning to service.
The American Red Cross was called to assist residents with immediate needs.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office will assist in the investigation, Black said.
