2 killed after fire at southwest Atlanta home, authorities say

ATLANTA - A house fire in southwest Atlanta left two people dead early Sunday morning after heavy flames forced firefighters to briefly retreat from the home.

Fatal southwest Atlanta house fire

What we know:

Firefighters responded to a home along the 1700 block of Valley Ridge Drive around 4:15 a.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, crews found flames stretching from the carport across the first floor.

While searching the area, firefighters discovered heavy fire in the attic and basement, prompting an evacuation due to safety risks.

Crews switched to a defensive strategy and used a blitz attack to knock down the bulk of the flames before re-entering.

Once inside, firefighters found two people dead on the first floor.

Multiple neighbors identified one victim as 49-year-old Nicolas McLester, a father of two and grandfather who lived in the single-story home for more than 20 years.

Fire crews remained on site to handle overhaul and salvage operations to ensure the fire did not rekindle.

Friends and family gathered at the home later in the morning to mourn.

What they're saying:

"Upon arrival, our initial incident commander noticed fire stretching the span of the house from the garage port all the way over to the residential sleeping areas on the first floor," Atlanta Fire Rescue Capt. Andrew Anderson said.

Neighbors said McLester also worked for FedEx and was described as a well-liked and great person. They also said his parents live in the same neighborhood.

Southwest Atlanta fire origin investigation

What we don't know:

Investigators have not released the cause of the fire.

Authorities have also not identified the second person found dead inside the home.

SW AtlantaNews