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Photos: Into the fire with Atlanta’s firefighters and the AJC’s John Spink
John Spink has been covering metro Atlanta first responders for more than three decades. Here are a few of the thousands of photos he has captured.
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July 4, 2017 DeKalb County: Captain Kirk Yarbrough wipes the seat away from the morning heat. Authorities are looking for a person of interest after a suspicious fire Tuesday, July 4, 2017 damaged a DeKalb County school. Surveillance video at St. Martin's Episcopal School allowed police to capture a photo of someone who broke into the school before the fire, a fire spokesman said. Firefighters responded to the blaze about 6:30 a.m., DeKalb fire battalion chief DeJuan Gilchrist said. At this time, we think its suspicious based on the amount of fire that we had, Gilchrist said. And the windows (were) busted out. Summer school classes are in session, but students were out for the 4th of July holiday. There have been no reports of injuries. The fire damaged about 1,000 sq. ft. near the schools entrance and hurt a few animals, Gilchrist said. Firefighters first got the main fire under control then stopped work to avoid contaminating the scene. Gilchrist said if there were sprinklers in the building they didnt activate. Crews also cut a hole in the roof to make sure the blaze didnt extend to the attic, fire officials said. Elizabeth Beckwith, a science lab teacher at the school, said she got a call about the fire and raced over to make sure the schools about 13 reptiles and other animals were safe. Theyre my babies, she said. Most of them are alive, Beckwith said. Arson investigators will make a final determination on the blaze, Gilchrist said. No other details were released. JOHN SPINK/JSPINK@AJC.COM.
Today’s Gallery Headlines
Credit: Olivia Bowdoin
PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop
Beyoncé fans showed out in full force for the Cowboy Carter Tour at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com
PHOTOS: Putting final touches on All-Star Village for MLB fans in Atlanta
Media and special youth guests got a behind-the-scenes of the All-Star Village on Thursday as final preparation were being made for the fan experience at Cobb Galleria.
Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez
PHOTOS: MLB helps Atlanta metro area Boys & Girls Club for All-Star Game week
In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, the Braves and MLB have revitalized the baseball field at the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club in Conyers.
Credit: Henri Hollis
PHOTOS: MLB All-Star Game specialty food items
The Atlanta Braves and concessions vendor Delaware North unveiled a special lineup of food items created for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park. (Henri Hollis/AJC)
