PORTAL, GA – As temperatures dipped into the low 40's a home in the Portal community was completely destroyed by an early morning fire on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
The fire was reported at 1:51 a.m. when Bulloch County 911 received calls about an explosion and flames coming from a wooden structure on Spell Mincey Road, west of Portal off Highway 80. Bulloch County Fire, Statesboro Fire Department, Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, and Bulloch County EMS were dispatched to the scene.
Bulloch County Fire's Portal engine arrived within four minutes of the call to find the home fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters confirmed that the sole occupant was safe, and no injuries were reported.
Additional fire engines, tankers, and personnel were called in to battle the blaze. Crews remained on the scene for several hours to extinguish hot spots and ensure the fire was fully out.
The American Red Cross Disaster Action Team was contacted to provide temporary assistance to the homeowner, who lost all belongings in the fire.
Fire investigators from Bulloch County Fire are conducting a routine investigation into the cause and origin of the blaze.
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