AMERICUS — Americus Fire Marshal Zane Newman had a busier than usual week this week as he investigated two separate fires.
The first occurred at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Carravelle Boats, 111 Mathews Drive. Newman said it started in a paint booth, as a forklift drove in, and quickly spread because of available accelerants. The building’s sprinkler system deployed and personnel from Americus Fire & Emergency Services were able to extinguish the fire. The building sustained some fire damage but also smoke and water damage, he said.
The second fire came at 1:30 a.m. Thursday in a duplex at 701 Davenport St., Building 10 S.
Newman said the occupants were able to get escape the fire which started in the living room area. One of the occupants sustained burns to her back, according to a police report. Newman said it was unknown how the fire started but it spread to the other apartment in the duplex, venting from the roof, resulting in major damages, including from fire, smoke and water.
— Beth Alston