Firefighters keep massive fire from spreading after it levels home

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Fire crews are watching for hot spots following a fire that destroyed a family's home Friday night in Forsyth County.

Firefighters told Channel 2’s Justin Wilfon they were in an intense battle to keep the fire from spreading to the woods along Wallace Tatum Road in these extremely dry conditions.

Even though they kept the flames from spreading, firefighters couldn’t save the house.

"I lost everything that I own tonight. I lost everything. I've got a wife that's distraught. A family that's really hurt," the homeowner said.

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Besides losing their home, the homeowner told Wilfon he believes the family lost at least several family pets.

"Had two horses and 10 cats, four dogs. A lot of animals on the farm. It's just devastating. Just hard," the homeowner told Wilfon.

The family said they weren't home when the fire broke out shortly before 5 p.m. Forsyth County firefighters raced to the scene.

"Of course we're very concerned about any reports about fires, especially in this very dry autumn season," (waiting on name of firefighter)

The fire spread to brush around the home, burning about two acres, but fire crews stopped it from spreading into the woods by plowing a dirt fire line around the home.

The entire fight was made tougher by the home's rural location.

"Because this home set so far off of the main road, we had to truck in water to the actual fire," (fire official) said.

By the time the fire was out, the home was reduced to rubble. But the family said their friends and their faith will help them recover.

"I'll be taken care of. That's what we do. That's what we do. Come together and help people," the homeowner said.

Cox Media Group