This browser does not support the Video element.
Cooking blamed for Clayton County fires
Firefighters say cooking is to blame for 2 Clayton County fires. 1 person died as a result of a home fire and 29 people were displaced because of an apartment building fire. Lindsay Tuman reporting.
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - Two separate fires in Clayton County have left dozens of families without homes just days before Christmas. Tragically, one of the incidents resulted in the death of a woman, fire officials confirmed.
29 displaced in Archway Apartments fire
One of the fires broke out late Saturday night at the Archway Apartments on Rountree Road in Riverdale.
Clayton County Interim Fire Chief said the department received the call just minutes before midnight. When crews arrived, they found multiple apartment units engulfed in flames. Investigators determined the fire started in a second-floor kitchen due to cooking.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Man helps neighbors escape apartment fire
Terrence Embery, a resident at the Archway Apartments in Riverdale, said he made it his mission to make sure all his neighbors made it out of the fire that took over the complex late Saturday night. Firefighters say the fire stemmed from cooking.
"It could have been a lot worse because nobody knew what was going on," said Stephen Hunter, the property manager. "And just at the time I was getting people out, I had to help carry the babies out, and just within a few minutes it got real smoky."
While all 29 residents were able to evacuate safely, they are now displaced.
The Red Cross is assisting those affected by the fire.
"I look at the bigger picture," said resident Terrence Embery. "I'm still here, and I'm grateful. It's still the holiday season, and I'm gonna continue to be joyous."
Embery has started a GoFundMe campaign to help his family recover.
Woman dead, man injured in Clayton County house fire
This browser does not support the Video element.
Woman killed in fire, injured man escapes
Clayton County fire crews discovered a woman in her 70s dead inside a house fire on Fayetteville Road Saturday night. A man who was also inside managed to escape with injuries.
Just three miles away, another fire occurred earlier in the evening at a home on Fayetteville Road. When firefighters arrived, they found a man outside the house with burn injuries and discovered a woman inside who had passed away. The victims are believed to be in their 70s, but the woman’s identity has not yet been released. The man was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Both fires were caused by cooking accidents, according to fire officials. The interim fire chief urged the public to practice fire safety when cooking, especially during the holiday season.
"It's a tragedy right here at Christmas," he said. "We send our prayers to the families impacted."
This difficult night for firefighters highlights the importance of staying vigilant while cooking. Authorities recommend keeping an eye on stoves and having a fire extinguisher readily available.
The investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.
The Source: The information in this story was reported by FOX 5 Atlanta's Lindsay Tuman and Kim Leoffler. Details were confirmed by Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services and the American Red Cross.