LaGrange, Georgia - A LaGrange man suffered first degree burns to his face and hands as well as smoke inhalation resulting from a house fire on Wednesday, February 1, 2006.
Thomas Hewett, 40, was asleep in his residence when the blaze was reported at 10:57 am. He was awakened by a neighbor and then made his way through heat and heavy smoke conditions to the front door of the structure.
LaGrange Fire Department Deputy Chief Buddy Baker arrived on scene and reported a working fire with heavy fire and smoke showing. First in engine companies placed 2 - 1 3/4" and 1- 2 1/2" attack lines into operation to extinguisher the fire as well as protect exposures.
The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. Downed energized power lines in front of the structure hampered fire fighting efforts. Hewett was transported to West Georgia Health Systems where he remained for observation an was later released.
Smoke detectors in the residence were found to be not in working condition.
Upon investigation, it was determined the cause of the blaze was due to an overloaded circuit in a bedroom. The contents of the home were listed as a total loss.
LaGrange Fire Department personnel contacted the American Red Cross which provided assistance and a place to stay for the displaced family. A neighbor and a citizen driving by, are credited for their actions in assisting the fire victim to safety.
