DEMOREST, Ga. — Firefighters saved a house and several pets Saturday night after an apparent electrical fire broke out at the residence on Old Ridge Road.
Units were dispatched to the area off Habersham Mills Road around 7:48 p.m. on Feb. 28 following reports of heavy smoke coming from the house. When crews arrived, they found a single-story structure with a smoke-filled basement.
Officials said the fire appeared to be electrical and involved the main exterior service panel, preventing firefighters from immediately disconnecting power to the home.
Access and water challenges
Multiple stations responded to the rural property, where firefighters encountered early obstacles.
Radio traffic indicated the driveway was extremely narrow, limiting where engines could park without blocking access or affecting water supply.
Because of the location, crews initially relied on water carried in their trucks. During suppression efforts, one engine reported running low and connected to another apparatus to maintain flow. At one point, three engines were flowing water simultaneously as crews worked to bring the fire under control.
Bystanders gathered near the scene, prompting law enforcement to assist with scene control so firefighters could operate safely.
Dogs rescued
The residents were not home at the time of the fire. At least one dog was rescued from inside the smoke-filled house, while several others outside were safely secured.
No injuries were reported.
The official cause of the fire has not been released. The incident remains under investigation.
Now Georgia will update this story as more information becomes available.
