Three firefighters injured in house fire that appears to be arson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – A house fire believed to be arson at 4305 Hopewell Manor Drive injured three Forsyth County firefighters late Wednesday evening.

Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers said one firefighter who suffered significant burns to his upper extremities was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Another suffered first degree burns and a third suffered second degree burns. Neither was transported to the hospital. Shivers did not release the identities of the men.

Shivers explained that shortly after a four-man team entered the home and began an initial fire attack, conditions changed quickly and the fire overtook them.

Shivers said the crew experienced a flashover which is caused by thermal radiation feedback resulting in the sudden involvement of a room or an area in flames from floor to ceiling.

“We are most concerned, of course, about the firefighter transported to Grady. He is alert and conscious, except when in treatment, but has a very long road ahead of him. He is a husband and a father.” He also asked for prayers for the firefighters and their families.

“We are investigating this as arson,” he said.