Apartment complex nearly misses catastrophe

CLAYTON — Early Sunday morning, Rabun County Fire Services (RCFS) were dispatched to a local apartment complex after a tenant notified law enforcement about smoke leaking through the ventilation system.

Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch, told WRBN that stations one, six and twelve were dispatched to 30 Summit Avenue. The Clayton Police Department arrived on scene first and notified dispatch that the fire had extinguished itself before their arrival.

Upchurch said although no persons were hurt, the damage was significant — the stove appliance had been completely burned and warped of its original shape, the fluorescent light bulb in the kitchen had melted and the cabinets had been scorched all due to a single pot that had remained on the burner after being forgotten about.

RCFS removed the residual smoke from the apartment and checked the persons who were exposed to the incident for carbon monoxide poisoning.  

Upchurch said the situation could have been much worse but called this particular incident a “near miss.” He advised people who are cooking to stay near and make sure the process is attended to avoid similar situations.