On Thursday around 1 a.m., firefighters responded to a house fire on Debra Drive in Smyrna, where flames were seen coming from the roof. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, crews discovered the homeowner had a stockpile of rocket fuel and was a rocket-building enthusiast, which made the fire harder to control.
Firefighters responded to a fire involving ammonium perchlorate and ammonium chloride, both of which acted as accelerants. “The ammonium perchlorate used for hobby rocket fuel is an accelerant and will help aid the fire burning, but our crews were able to take care of it very quickly and very safely,” Lt. Evan McBrayer told FOX 5 Atlanta. Atlanta News First reported that the fire may have started in the basement where the chemicals and equipment were stored, but the cause is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the chemicals involved in the Smyrna fire complied with local regulations. The investigation remains ongoing, with no information yet on potential consequences for the resident.
