A fatal house fire in DeKalb County on Saturday night left one person dead and two others hospitalized after a three-story residence was engulfed in flames.
DeKalb County Fire Rescue officials responded to the 1000 block of Lake Drive at approximately 8:30 p.m. following reports of a heavy structure fire. Upon arrival, emergency crews found the large three-story home completely overtaken by flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the building. The intensity of the fire required immediate suppression efforts as crews worked to prevent the blaze from spreading.
During the initial minutes of the response, firefighters located two survivors, identified as a man and a woman, in the backyard of the property. The pair had managed to escape the burning structure before help arrived but had sustained injuries during the evacuation. Both were treated at the scene by emergency medical technicians before being transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific nature of their injuries, their ages, or their current medical conditions.
As the fire continued to rage, residents on the scene informed first responders that a third occupant was still trapped inside the residence. In response, firefighters conducted a search of the interior despite the hazardous conditions. Officials confirmed that the missing individual was located inside the home but was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased has been withheld pending positive identification and the notification of next-of-kin.
While the fire caused significant damage to the home, DeKalb County Fire Rescue reported that no firefighters were injured during the search and suppression operations. The scene remained active for several hours as crews monitored for hotspots and secured the structure.
Fire investigators are now working to determine the point of origin and the specific cause of the blaze. As of Sunday, officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and no further details regarding what may have sparked the fire are currently available.
