Firefighters battle flames and heat

Firefighters were alerted of a fully-engulfed structure on Highway 19 north Aug. 15 and they were able to save the owner’s nearby home and move an antique tractor. The garage was a total loss, as were some of the vehicles parked nearby.

In addition to the flames, firefighters were fighting extreme heat and humidity as they took water breaks and underwent medical checks.

The home at 10990 Highway 19 was undamaged and Pike County firefighters were aided by Spalding County who provided mutual aid.

“One of our volunteers was able to get a tractor started and moved away from the garage. The house was my first concern when I drove up and our top goal was to keep the fire from getting to the house,” said fire chief Bobby Wilkerson. “Unfortunately, the building had several different sources of fuel and there were several explosions after we got there and even before we got there.”