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Firefighters respond quickly, save historic Atlanta building

Firefighters were able to save the 1840 Joseph Willis House after a fire was reported Tuesday.
Firefighters were able to save the 1840 Joseph Willis House after a fire was reported Tuesday.
Jan 3, 2023

A swift response from firefighters saved one of Atlanta’s oldest buildings early Tuesday, officials said.

The fire broke out around 3:35 a.m. in the attic of the 1840 Joseph Willis House, located at 1571 Willis Mill Road, according to Atlanta fire.

Firefighters reached the home in about five minutes, officials said, and saw heavy fire and moderate smoke coming from the attic of the one-story building. They put out the blaze before it reached other areas of the home.

Atlanta firefighters responded to a structure fire on Willis Mill Road early Tuesday morning. The home is one of the oldest in metro Atlanta and has historic significance.
Atlanta firefighters responded to a structure fire on Willis Mill Road early Tuesday morning. The home is one of the oldest in metro Atlanta and has historic significance.

At least one firefighter was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with back pain, but no other injuries were reported, officials said.

The historic home was built in the mid-1800s around the same time as the Tullie Smith House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It reportedly had historic significance during the Civil War.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.

About the Author

David Aaro is a breaking news reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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