No injuries were reported after the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department extinguished a structure fire on on Highland Park Drive in Athens on Thursday, Jan. 16, according to authorities.
First responders were dispatched to the reported structure fire at a two-story multifamily residence just after 2:30 a.m.
Fire crews initially observed light smoke emanating from the eaves of the building before they identified a small fire on the first floor near the fireplace.
On the second floor, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire actively banking down the stairs, indicating a rapid spread of the blaze. Firefighters immediately initiated a defensive attack, pulling multiple hose lines to combat the growing fire.
The flames had advanced to the attic and spread throughout both floors of the structure before multiple crews were deployed to both suppress the fire and conduct search-and-rescue operations for any potential occupants still inside.
The fire was eventually contained, though the structure sustained significant fire damage.
