They remain in critical condition in the burn unit at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, according to Steve Nichols, director of Jackson County Emergency Services. Nichols said "both persons involved in this fire are listed as homeless and just live in this area."
Both were initially taken to BJC Hospital and Hodges was subsequently airlifted to an Grady Memorial Hospital, according to Whitfield. Williamson was transported later that day. Both suffered from second and third degree burns and respiratory burns, according to Nichols.
The call came from the 911 center at 5:07, Whitfield said. Fireman Bryan Allen was the first on the scene at 5:11.
"There was heavy smoke and flames coming through the roof," Whitfield reported.
Firemen were unaware anyone was in the building until they entered to clear it. Whitfield said the firemen encountered Williamson just inside the door and Hodges near the back. The firemen pulled both out and began administering CPR. Within minutes, an ambulance arrived and transported the victims to BJC Hospital.
The firemen knocked the fire down by 5:28, according to Whitfield.
The building is owned by Oliver Waters, who had used it up until about two weeks ago to manufacture furniture. Waters, who was at the scene, said no one should have been in the building at the time. He said he had no idea who the victims might be.
Whitfield said the fire started under a table on the floor, which was covered in sawdust.
"We know where it started, but we don't know how," he said, adding that the fire marshal was expected to return to the scene Tuesday afternoon.
He also said there was evidence that someone had been sleeping in the building.
"We don't know for how long a period of time, but there were sleeping bags and stuff around," Whitfield said.
Damage to the adjacent building was limited to smoke damage, said Walter Eubanks, owner of that property.
The Nicholson, Maysville and Jackson County Correctional Institute fire departments assisted with the blaze.
One has to question his motives for not doing the right thing from the start. So, he is not some one whom I would ever want to do business with.
some PEACE.
As a parent and having a family, we know that we always have a love for our children, and want the best for them. When they are grown we can't always make them do as we want, but that doesn't make us love them any less. One day even we could end up on the street and we would like to know that someone will take car of us as we have unto others.
Sadly this can make them the target of business owners. Cheap labor, and housing below the standards of human life.
Most business owners want to protect what is theirs, and by doing so they have insurance on their properties to protect their assets as well as themselves.
Our hearts go out to those who are needing the prayers of others at this time. Let's remember the Golden Rule here: (A key element of the golden rule is that a person attempting to live by this rule treats all people, not just members of his or her in-group, with consideration.) Source: Wikipedia