Fire crews responded early this morning to a residential structure fire in the 700 block of East Franklin Street. The fire was reported by the home’s residents at approximately 5:36 a.m., after they noticed the house filling with smoke and believed the attic space was on fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the attic fully involved with flames. All occupants were reported to have safely evacuated before crews arrived. Firefighters conducted a search of the residence to confirm no one remained inside, and no occupants were found.
Due to construction elements of the home, crews experienced difficulty accessing the fire from both the interior and exterior. Power saws were used to create access points into the attic to reach the flames and allow for suppression efforts.
As of 8:29 a.m., fire crews remained on scene working to extinguish hot spots. Frigid temperatures and the labor-intensive overhaul process led officials to request mutual aid assistance from the Calhoun Fire Department for additional personnel.
No injuries have been reported, and all displaced family members are safe and uninjured. The American Red Cross has been contacted to assist the family with temporary housing and immediate needs.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
