FORT OGLETHORPE, GA – At about 5:45 PM, Wednesday, January 19, 2011 Fort Oglethorpe Fire and Rescue responded to a reported residential structure fire at 85 Hargraves Avenue. The fire was first reported by a Fort Oglethorpe Police Officer on road patrol in the area. Battalion Chief Doug Flury (907) was the first to arrive on the scene and reported a single story wood frame with heavy fire showing from the C side. Chief Flury immediately ordered tankers to the scene due to the lack of hydrants in the area and asked for assistance from the Georgia Department of Corrections Fire Department.

As firefighters arrived on the scene they immediately pulled two inch and three quarter attack lines, one to the front door and one to the rear of the structure. Much of the rear portion had already been consumed by fire prior to the arrival of firefighters. Unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts of firefighters, the entire structure was consumed by the flames. Total loss was estimated at about $80,000.

The homeowners were not at home when the fire department arrived but did return during the fire. They had only been gone from the residence about 15 minutes when the fire was discovered. There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire. The exact cause and origin are under investigation by fire investigators.

Mutual aid was provided by the Catoosa County Fire Department and the Georgia Department of Corrections Fire Department. The Fort Oglethorpe Police Department provided assistance with traffic.