Resident seriously injured in Athens apartment fire

ATHENS, Tennessee (WDEF) – A resident was airlifted from Athens Monday night after an apartment fire. The fire broke out at the mews Apartments on Garden Drive around 10 PM.

When firefighters arrived, most residents were in the front yard. But they told them someone was still inside. Firefighters forced open a secured door on the second floor. They found heavy black smoke and the fire just inside the door. They got it out quickly.

They also found a tenant inside the hallway and brought the person to EMS personnel. The victim was airlifted to UT Medical Center with life threatening injuries.

Two other families also lost their homes in the fire.

Fire chief Brandon Ainsworth said “We extend our thoughts and prayers to the family affected by this fire.”

“I am very proud of the quick response and work by all of the agencies in protecting life and property in this case.”