Clayton home engulfed by flames

CLAYTON —  Homeowners woke in the middle of the night to learn their home had gone up in flames and became trapped until help arrived on scene.

Rabun County Fire Services responded to a report of a home fire with subjects trapped at 2:08 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26. Stations one, five and 12 were dispatched to the structure fire on 40 Parker Robinson Lane with dispatch advising initially that there were people trapped.

After the first units were en route, dispatch advised that the homeowners were out of the building. Engine one arrived shortly after to find the approximately 1000 square foot home had been completely engulfed with fire. The homeowner told dispatch they were awakened by a booming when the ceiling began to fall in.

They were able to escape and upon fire services arrival, it was obvious that there had been an explosion with the exterior walls blown away from the structure on the left side and insulation found in a tree beside the house.

Station six was requested after the initial assignment for manpower and another tanker. Personnel was on scene for approximately three and a half hours. Rabun County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate due to the nature of the call.

The homeowners were taken to the American Red Cross for assistance.