Newton County Fire Services had a busy weekend with a total of 66 calls in a 48-hour period.

According to Newton County Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien of those 66 calls, Newton County had three working residential structure fires.

One firefighter was injured during a structure fire while working to on ventilation through the attic.

The first was reported at 4:24 a.m. Saturday at 65 Bear Creek Walk. The first units on scene reported heavy smoke showing from the structure, and occupants reported fire in the basement.

Crews made an interior attack locating a fire in the basement and extinguished the fire with no fire extension.
The possible cause was determined to be a golf cart and its charging system.

The occupants of the residence were awakened/alerted by the smoke detectors they had in their house.

The second fire of the weekend was Sunday at 10:27 a.m. at No. 2 Hazel-Ivey Street in Porterdale.

Battalion 1 and Engine 1 arrived on scene to find a 1,000 square foot residence with heavy smoke showing from the attic area.

Crews confirmed all occupants were out of the structure and began their attack.

While crews repositioned hand lines, exterior crews completed vertical ventilation through the attic eave and attempted to extinguish the fire.

While working off a ladder, Firefighter Richard Aaron fell approximately 15 feet landing on his back and air pack.

“He was transported to Newton Medical Center and then to Grady Trauma Center where it was determined he had a chip in his T-12 vertebrae,” O’Brien said in an email. “He is currently in Grady awaiting discharge and further direction on follow up care. FF Aaron had complete use of all extremities and sensation and is in good spirits.

“A full recovery is expected.”

On Monday morning a structure fire was reported at 1:39 a.m. at 60 Duncan Road.

Newton County Sheriff’s Office arrived and updated responding units that flames were through the roof. Newton County Fire Engine 9 arrived to find a 1,200 square foot structure with heavy fire conditions that had already vented through the roof.

Units made an interior attack and brought the fire under control. The residence is a vacant structure and the cause is still under investigation.