A tragic incident unfolded in College Park last Saturday as firefighters responded to a house fire that claimed the life of one woman and injured another. FOX 5 Atlanta reported the emergency crews arrived at around 2:08 p.m. at a residence in the 2200 block of Lyle Avenue, finding a two-story house engulfed in flames with two women trapped inside. One was promptly rescued and transported to the hospital, while the other unfortunately succumbed within the home.
Efforts to extinguish the blaze continued well into the evening, with officials claiming that the fire was mostly under control by 3:50 p.m., according to firefighters. Investigating into the early hours, the College Park Fire Department spoke on the nature of the older dwelling, stating to 11Alive, "This is an older residence, with that in mind the structure is different, the debris and the things that are burning are a little bit different, so it takes a little bit longer for the fire to completely go out." Slight winds also made the firefighting efforts more challenging.
The relationship between the two victims has added a poignant detail to the tragedy — they were sisters. The woman who succumbed to the effects of smoke inhalation was, according to EMS Division Chief Ron Taylor of the College Park Fire Department, in her "60s or 70s." In a statement obtained by 11Alive, Taylor expressed the emotional toll of such incidents, saying, "It’s very tough, anytime we have someone that’s lost in a fire it is very difficult for the fire department as well as the community." Crews continued to remain at the house overnight to monitor and address any remaining hotspots.
As the investigation proceeds, the names of the two sisters have yet to be disclosed, and while the condition of the woman taken to Grady Hospital has not been released, her current state remains a concern for the community. The precise cause of the fire is still under investigation, with officials working to determine the factors that led to the deadly event.
