An early morning house fire claimed one life on Monday, May 19, after flames engulfed a home in Athens-Clarke County.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to the residential structure fire at 203 Briarcliff Road just after 2 a.m. First responders arrived at 2:21 a.m. and encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the home.
Due to the intensity of the blaze and rapid spread of the flames, firefighters were unable to conduct an immediate search of the residence. Crews then shifted to defensive operations in an effort to control the fire from outside the building.
The structure was deemed unsafe for entry after a floor collapse. About three hours after the initial dispatch, firefighters located a body inside the residence.
The Athens-Clarke County Coroner’s Office is working to confirm the identity of the deceased and determine an official cause of death.
“This is a tragic event, and our hearts go out to the family and all those impacted,” Fire Chief Nate Moss said. “Our firefighters responded swiftly under dangerous conditions and did everything possible to manage the fire and preserve life.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Athens-Clarke County Fire Marshal’s Office, in collaboration with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Coroner’s Office.
