A Labor Day celebration in Stonecrest was abruptly disrupted by a house fire, caused by a grill malfunction during a family cookout. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the incident occurred in the 6800 block of Chaparral Drive, where the fire started on a back patio and quickly spread to the roof and upper level of the residence.
Fortunately, everyone inside the home, including four adults and one dog, escaped unharmed, fire officials said the grill's malfunction set the patio ablaze, leading to significant structural damage, especially to the deck, roof, and the top floor. While the physical toll of the blaze was considerable, "It’s a blessing. A house and materials things can be replaced but a life can’t," said Emmett Cole, a local resident who witnessed the fire and notified authorities, in a statement obtained by Atlanta News First.
The DeKalb County Fire Rescue responded to the fire late yesterday afternoon after a grill apparently malfunctioned, sparking the flames that led to the property's extensive damage. According to Baton Chief Kimani Heath's interviews with media, most of the home endured fire, smoke, and water damage, with much of it concentrated on the patio, roof, and the top floor.
Local residents were immediate in their response to the emergency, with Cole recounting the moments he saw the smoke followed by an explosion flames shot up above the roof, at that time I immediately knew something was wrong, so I called 911 and, together with other neighbors, ensured the home's occupants were safe.
