Man Critically Injured After Reentering Burning Lilburn Home to Save Dog

LILBURN, Ga. – A Sunday evening house fire in Lilburn left one man with life-threatening injuries after he reentered the burning home in an attempt to rescue the family dog, officials said.

Firefighters were dispatched around 6:23 p.m. to a two-story home in the 200 block of Sandra Drive after a 911 caller reported the house was on fire and that people were still inside. When crews arrived, they found an active fire with reports that a male occupant had not made it out.

Lilburn Police officers assisted firefighters with securing the scene and controlling entry points as crews moved in to conduct a rescue. Firefighters located one victim near the entryway of the home and removed him from the structure. He was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Fire crews encountered heavy fire in the garage and main living area, with flames extending into the attic. Two 1¾-inch hose lines and one 2½-inch hose line were deployed to bring the fire under control. Primary and secondary searches of the home confirmed no additional victims were inside.

Officials said the home sustained extensive fire damage to the garage, main living area, and attic, along with significant smoke and water damage throughout the residence.

According to fire officials, two adults were home at the time of the fire. One occupant noticed the fire and woke his mother so they could evacuate. A neighbor helped the mother get out safely before firefighters arrived. After she was outside, the son went back into the home to try to save the family dog and was overcome by heavy smoke.

No smoke alarms were active in the home at the time of the fire, officials said.

One Lilburn Police officer suffered minor injuries and was evaluated and released at the scene. Another individual was also assessed and released. The fire displaced the two residents, and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the homeowner.

A fire investigator responded to determine the cause and origin of the blaze, which remains under investigation.

Multiple units responded to the incident, including four engines, a ladder truck, a squad, rescue units, medical crews, command staff, and support personnel.