Officers Rescue 2 Kids From Burning Savannah Building

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Five people, including two children, were rescued from a two-alarm fire that broke out early Sunday morning at an apartment complex in Savannah, Georgia. Officers Thomas Velte and Brandon Lowe were first on the scene and caught the children after their mother dropped them from a third-floor balcony. Three more people were rescued by Capt. John-William Farrell and Firefighter Christopher Carter. The fire caused partial building collapse and displaced 22 of the 24 apartments.

Why it matters

Apartment fires pose a serious threat to public safety, especially when they involve multiple units and require dramatic rescues. This incident highlights the critical role of first responders in protecting vulnerable residents during emergencies.

The details

The fire started around 4 a.m. in the 1000 block of King George Boulevard apartment complex. Officers Velte and Lowe arrived first and found the upper floors consumed by flames, with a mother and her two children on a third-floor balcony. The officers caught the children as the mother dropped them. Capt. Farrell and Firefighter Carter then rescued three more people. The building partially collapsed shortly after 4:45 a.m., and the fire was brought under control around 5:45 a.m. All residents were accounted for, but the two children rescued from the balcony were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

• The fire started around 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
• Officers arrived on the scene two minutes after the initial call.
• The building partially collapsed shortly after 4:45 a.m.
• The fire was brought under control around 5:45 a.m.

What’s next

The Georgia Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.