Fire investigators are still trying to determine what caused a blaze that burned out several families from their apartments in Athens.
The fire broke out just before 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18, at the University Oaks Apartments at 2360 West Broad Street. Flames could be seen shooting into the air from the two-story structure. Athens-Clarke County firefighters used two aerial ladder trucks to fight the fire from above.
Once the blaze was under control, firefighters checked the first and second-floor apartments to make sure everyone made it out safely. They also worked with property management to establish a list of names of the residents displaced by the fire. Representatives from the American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist those residents.
The fire damaged 14 units, 12 of which were occupied. According to the Red Cross, 19 adults and 8 children received assistance, while some were able to stay with friends or relatives. No injuries were reported.
“We believe that the time of day and the fact that these apartments had in-date, and working smoke alarms contributed to early warning and time for escape,” says Athens-Clarke County Fire Battalion Chief Nate Moss. “Events like these are a sobering reminder to check dates on our own smoke alarms and to regularly test them.”
