South Bryan and Richmond Hill firefighters battled an early morning blaze Tuesday that damaged a home and displaced one resident.
Bryan County Fire Chief Otis Willis said crews responded around 8 a.m. to the single-story, wood-framed home at 39 Oak Hill Road off of Hwy. 17 and had the blaze out within an hour and a half.
“It did some extensive damage,” Willis said. “It got up into the attic, but at this point right now it looks like the home is still structurally sound.”
He said the main area damaged by the fire was the living room, with some adjoining hallways and rooms also receiving heat and smoke damage.
No other homes were damaged by the fire, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, he added.
Homeowner Tommy Foster said his stepson, Charlie, was living in the home but was out walking his dog when the fire started.
Foster said he believes a space heater started the blaze, but Willis said the direct cause is still under investigation.
The American Red Cross also provided emergency financial assistance to help replace food and clothing.