Firemen battle pair of fires

     The Toccoa Fire Department and volunteer fire units battled a pair of residential fires in recent weeks.
     The first came just after 4 a.m. on Tuesdsay, Jan. 17 when firefighters from Toccoa and Carnes Creek were alerted to a house on fire at the corner of Pond and Elberton streets.  
     Firefighters were met with fire showing from all sides of the residential structure, already through the roof and extending into the yard.  
     Defensive tactics were used to knock down the heavy fire load with two two 1/2-inch”and two 1-3/4-inch hand lines.  
     Neighbors reported the occupant did not have a vehicle and was see at the  home the night before the fire.  After the blaze was extinguished, the rubble was thoroughly searched to ensure that the occupant was not buried beneath it.  
    Several hours later, firefighters were relieved when the occupant was located with no injuries.
      The State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting the Toccoa Fire Department with the investigation of this incident.
      Residents are encouraged to develop an escape plan for their home and have a safe meeting place outside, in case of a fire.
     The second house fire was reported just before 2:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 30.
   A Black Mountain Road  resident awoke to smoke filling the second story bedroom.  He alerted the rest of the family and was able to safely evacuate everyone from the home before returning and trying to extinguish the fire.  
     A wood burning heater had ignited nearby combustible  material and was burning up the wall.  Occupants were able to knock down the fire and hold it in check until firefighters from Shiloh, Carnes Creek and Eastanollee were able to completely extinguish it.  
      Working smoke detectors and closed bedroom doors are the best way for occupants to sleep safely.  These combined actions can give occupants the best chance to survive a fire in their home.  All local fire departments provide free smoke detectors to those who cannot afford one.