DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Four residents narrowly escaped harm after a house fire broke out in DeKalb County early Thursday morning. According to authorities, the occupants were awakened by the smell of smoke around midnight and were able to exit the home safely.
Firefighters were dispatched to a residence on Mainstreet Valley Drive shortly after 12 a.m., responding to reports of smoke filling the home. Officials say the fire appeared to originate in the basement, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
Crews on the scene quickly worked to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring homes. Thanks to the residents’ prompt response and the rapid arrival of emergency personnel, no injuries were reported, and all four individuals escaped without harm.
DeKalb County Fire & Rescue officials emphasized the importance of working smoke detectors and having a family emergency plan, noting that early detection can make the difference between life and death in residential fires. “This incident underscores how critical it is for residents to have functional smoke alarms and a clear escape route,” a spokesperson said.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the fire and whether any structural damage or fire code violations contributed to the incident.
Neighbors reported hearing the fire alarms and seeing emergency crews arrive within minutes. “It was terrifying to see the smoke, but thankfully everyone got out safely,” one nearby resident said.
The DeKalb County Fire Department reminded residents to check smoke alarms monthly, maintain fire extinguishers, and review emergency exit plans to ensure safety in case of future incidents.