Effingham Fire and Rescue responds to garage fire on Courthouse Road

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. (WTOC) - Fire crews are on the scene of a house fire in Effingham County on Thursday afternoon.

Effingham Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire at 3480 Courthouse Road at 11:48 a.m. and arrived on scene five minutes later at 11:53 a.m.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the home’s garage and have extinguished the flames. Officials noted that a closed door leading into the home from the garage played a crucial role in keeping the fire and smoke damage contained to the garage area.

Fire safety officials frequently emphasize the importance of keeping interior and exterior doors closed throughout a home, both day and night, as closed doors can slow the spread of flames and toxic smoke during a fire.

All people inside the house escaped, and no injuries have been reported. One pet died in the fire. Crews are currently conducting overhaul operations.

As of 1:30 p.m. Thursday, only one lane of Courthouse Road was open while crews worked to clear the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. WTOC has a crew at the scene and will provide updates as more information becomes available.