Local
Stone Mountain neighbor pulls couple from burning apartment building
Phillip Williams alerted Ernest and his wife to a fire at Mountain Oaks Apartments on Monday and helped them escape. No injuries were reported, and the Red Cross was expected to assist residents of the 12 affected units.
A neighbor helped Ernest Brown and his wife escape a fire at Mountain Oaks Apartments in Stone Mountain on Monday, after realizing the couple was still inside their home as flames spread through the building.
DeKalb County fire officials said crews responded around 5:18 p.m. to the complex at 4719 Central Drive. They found a three-story, 12-unit building engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported.
Phillip Williams said he saw the Browns’ vehicle and noticed other residents had already gotten outside. He ran across a walkway bridge to their apartment and pounded on the door.
Brown said he initially did not understand the warning, until Williams grabbed him and he felt the fire behind him. Williams also helped Brown’s wife out as embers began catching on her shirt.
The couple expressed gratitude to Williams. He said he did not consider himself a hero and had acted as he believed he should.
The fire is especially difficult for the Browns, who said it was the second fire at the same complex in a matter of months. DeKalb County Fire said the American Red Cross would be available to help residents of the 12 units affected by Monday’s blaze.