Family Escapes Cherokee County House Fire

CANTON, GA -- A family was able to escape a fire that heavily damaged a home late Monday morning in Cherokee County. Crews with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to the fire around 11:45 a.m. in the 12000 block of Cumming Highway/S.R. 20, which is located in the Free Home community.

The agency's Engine 4 and Squad 4 arrived on the scene to find smoke, but no fire, billowing from the one-story structure. However, minutes later, fire observed coming from the residence, said Cherokee fire spokesperson Tim Cavender.

Cavender said the homeowner told fire crews he heard a noise in the bathroom and "assumed something was wrong with the washing machine."

"Once he got into the bathroom to investigate, he observed flames coming from beneath the water heater," Cavender added (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

The family of four, consisting of three adults and one infant, were able to escape without sustaining any injuries. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the family. Fire Investigator Cheri Collett said the interior of the home suffered extensive damage and "it will most likely be a total loss."

No other injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.

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Images via Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services