A late-afternoon townhome fire on Labonte Parkway in McDonough turned tragic Thursday, when a child pulled from a burning second-floor bedroom later died at a nearby hospital. Flames were seen pouring from an upstairs window as Henry County firefighters fought their way inside, rescued the child, and rushed the youngster to Piedmont Henry Hospital. Crews worked to knock down the blaze and keep it from jumping to neighboring units, while the American Red Cross stepped in to help residents forced out of their homes.
Henry County Fire Rescue says crews were dispatched to the Labonte Parkway townhome just after 4:40 p.m. on a report of a residential structure fire. Family members told arriving firefighters that a child was still inside, triggering an urgent search of the second floor. Firefighters located the child in an upstairs bedroom, carried the youngster out, and the child was taken to Piedmont Henry Hospital, where they later died from their injuries, according to Henry County Fire Rescue.
Rescue and investigation
Fire crews contained the flames to the affected unit and prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent townhomes. State fire marshals were called to help determine how the blaze started, and officials have not yet released the child’s identity, per Henry County Fire Rescue.
Relief for displaced residents
The American Red Cross is assisting residents displaced by the fire, helping them with immediate needs such as temporary lodging and basic supplies. Local emergency management officials were also on scene to coordinate support as authorities continue gathering details about the incident and the investigation moves forward, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Fire-safety reminders
The deadly blaze serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan for every household. Functional smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by about half. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing alarms on every level of a home and outside all sleeping areas, and testing them monthly, according to the NFPA.
