01/13/2026
Press Release
On January 12th, 2026, at 17:17:06, the West Point Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire located at 700 Avenue E, West Point, Georgia. Upon dispatch, 911 advised that the caller reported heavy smoke and flames visible from the structure.
West Point Fire Department units responded along with automatic aid from Troup County Fire Department. Chief Staley (Unit 50) was the first arriving unit on scene and reported a two-story, multi-family residential structure with heavy smoke conditions and visible fire from a second-floor apartment located at the C/D corner of the building. Command was established, and a 360-degree size-up was initiated while crews began the evacuation of all occupants.
Deputy Chief Richardson (Unit 502) arrived on scene with Engine 54, staffed with two firefighters. A 1¾-inch cross lay was deployed with additional 1 ¾” safety line in place an interior attack was initiated to the upstairs apartment at the C/D corner. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions upon entry. During suppression efforts, the fire extended into the roof system, which consisted of a sheet metal roof over an existing shingle roof. Fire spread rapidly through the roof void spaces and into the common attic system, resulting in a partial roof collapse over the C/D corner of the structure.
Due to deteriorating conditions and structural compromise, all firefighters were withdrawn from the interior, and a defensive aerial attack was initiated. Aerial operations were conducted by Lanett Ladder 829 and Troup County Truck 1, operating from the A and B sides of the structure.
Once fire conditions in the roof system were brought under control, two interior attack crews were rotated back into the structure utilizing 1¾-inch handlines to extinguish the remaining fire within the building. Overhaul and extension checks were completed, and all remaining fire was controlled. Troup County Fire Department established RIT team located on the A side of the structure.
Mutual aid resources included one ladder apparatus and one EMS unit with staff from the Lanett Fire Department. Troup County Fire Department provided one truck company, three engine companies, and three chief-level officers. Troup County American Medical Response staged on the scene until conclusion to provide and needed medical assistance.
The fire was declared under control, and the scene was monitored for any further extension. All hot spots were extinguished, and no additional fire spread was located. Units were released in a phased manner, beginning with Lanett, followed by Troup County, with West Point Fire Department units remaining on scene and last to clear the scene.
The scene was secured with fire line tape, and the West Point Police Department monitored the location for the remainder of the night. The property was turned over to the property owner at the conclusion of operations.
The West Point Fire Department would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the surrounding agencies that came to help bring this fire under control. While this fire displaced many families and caused a total loss of contents to the second story of the building. The fire was brought under control without injury or further fire spread, which would not have been possible without the help provided.
