Apartment Fire on Courtland Place displaces two families, close call

On Tuesday, January 5th 2010 at 12:22 A.M., firefighters responded for a reported Structure Fire at 32-34 Courtland Place. The first arriving unit, Deputy K. Phillips, reported heavy fire showing from the rear side of the first floor apartment. Firefighters from Engine 3 advanced a line into the first floor and began a primary search and fire attack. Firefighters from Engine 5, after securing a water supply, discovered a victim standing outside the building, stating he believes tenants are still upstairs. Engine 5 and Tower 1 firefighters laddered the second floor and began a primary search of the second floor, encountering heavy heat and smoke conditions. A second alarm was struck, bringing a total of five Engines and the Tower to the scene and Dalton Fire Department in to cover the City. Following a primary search, Engine 5 began an interior attack on the second floor and attic, while Engine 3 and Engine 1 attacked the first floor. Multiple crews performed suppression and salvage to bring the fire under control. One resident and one firefighter were transported to Berkshire Medical Center for injuries. Both families were left homeless.

The Red Cross responded to this location to assist the residents with food, clothing, shelter, and any other possible needs they could assist with to reduce the impact of this fire on the families. PFD Fire Investigation Unit conducted it's investigation of the fire and found the cause to be accidental, from careless smoking.