Wind-Driven House Fire Spreads to Nearby Properties in Athens, Displacing Residents

ATHENS, Ga. – A structure fire fueled by strong winds spread to multiple nearby properties Monday afternoon, February 23rd, displacing two residents and prompting an extended firefighting response on Rhodes Drive, according to the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department.

Fire crews were dispatched at approximately 2:14 p.m. to reports of a residential fire. First arriving units found heavy flames coming from the rear of a two-story single-family home and began an interior attack.

As fire conditions intensified, commanders shifted operations to a defensive strategy to protect firefighter safety. Officials said strong northwest winds accelerated the fire’s spread, igniting several exposure fires on adjacent properties and across the street.

Firefighters contained and extinguished the secondary fires while working to protect surrounding homes. The main fire was brought under control after several hours of coordinated operations. Crews later used a small excavator to overhaul debris and eliminate remaining hot spots to prevent rekindling.

Two residents were displaced by the fire and transported to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center with minor burns. No firefighter injuries were reported.

The Athens-Clarke County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.