Clay County Fire & Rescue Responds to Apartment Fire, Two Families Displaced

Clay County Fire & Rescue responded to a vehicle fire at Ridgeline Apartments on the evening of October 13 that quickly spread into an apartment unit, ultimately damaging two of the building’s eight units and displacing two families. No injuries were reported.

The department was dispatched at approximately 8:05 p.m. following reports of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, the first responding crews found the fire had already extended from the vehicle into one of the apartment units. Firefighters initiated a defensive attack while simultaneously evacuating residents from the rest of the building. Because of the structure’s size and the risk of further spread, mutual aid was requested from Towns County, Georgia.

Coordinated efforts by the responding crews achieved knockdown and stopped the fire from moving throughout the eight-unit building. Damage was limited to two apartments. Two families have been displaced as a result.

During the incident, one resident was briefly unaccounted for, raising concern among firefighters. The individual was later confirmed safe and outside the building. Officials noted that the situation underscores the importance of a home fire escape plan that includes a designated meeting place outside.

In a reminder issued with the incident summary, Clay County Fire & Rescue encouraged households to review their emergency plans. Recommendations include having two ways out of every room when possible, establishing a meeting place a safe distance from the home (such as a mailbox, tree, or neighbor’s driveway), ensuring everyone—including children and visitors—knows the plan, staying at the meeting place so all residents can be accounted for, and never reentering a burning building. If someone is missing, firefighters should be notified immediately so trained personnel can conduct the search.

The department thanked Towns County Fire & Rescue for mutual aid assistance and all responding personnel for their work in controlling the fire. Officials said their thoughts are with the two displaced families as they begin recovery.