Rossville Trailer Fire Takes Life Of North Georgian Man After His Brother Tries To Save Him

ROSSVILLE, GA, (WDEF)-A blaze that started in the bedroom of this Rossville trailer took the life of 27 year old William Andrew Benson.

Walker County EMS crews said younger brother Steven was trying to force his way back in to save his sibling as flames engulfed their home off Crestview Drive.

Walker County Fire Chief Randy Camp,"Tried to get back inside to get him by that time the fire just that quickly was out the door, he made several attempts on the trailer to get make access he had several cuts on his arm"

Investigators say more than half of the trailer was covered by thick smoke and that older RV’s, mobile homes and trailers burn so fast that making a rescue can be very difficult.

"Unfortunately lot of times we arrive on the scene there’s not really a lot you can save in a mobile home, its mainly because the space is really small and the light weight construction of a mobile home."

This is just one of half a dozen trailer fires in Rossville and North Georgia since early August but the first where a resident did not make it out alive.

Dalton RV say they have decades of experience when dealing with regulations, fire and propane safety for RV’s and mobile homes and say it’s crucial that people know and check their monitors and fire alarms regularly.

Wayne Burgess,Owner Dalton RV"Also too on the carbon monoxide detectors, they are only good for 4 years, so its important to keep up with your dates, when something starts beeping, make sure you got the proper batteries in it make sure they are within date on everything"

Jeremy Crow, Parts and Service Manager Dalton RV added,"Always remember do not overload your circuits do not use more power than is coming in to your unit, you will cause an overload and a power surge into your unit and you can short stuff out and cause a fire"

Dalton RV say manufacturing standards have improved and modern mobile homes must meet national guidelines but older homes can pose a major risk.