Police: Medical Equipment Failure Sparked Deadly Fire

A fire that killed three members of the same family was caused by malfunctioning medical equipment, investigators confirmed to Channel 2 Action News reporter Tom Regan.

Fulton County fire dispatchers said the blaze started inside a two-story log cabin on Locke Drive in downtown Palmetto in south Fulton County just before 6 a.m. Tuesday.

"We determined it was most likely a malfunctioning of medical equipment in a bedroom that led to the fire beginning, and once it began, it appears it was fed somewhat by oxygen," said Palmetto Police Chief Henry Argo.

Firefighters from Chattahoochee Hills, Coweta and Fulton counties were called to assist the Palmetto Fire Department.

Argo told Channel 2 that four people were inside the cabin when it caught fire. One of the victims escaped and ran two blocks to the Palmetto Fire Department to get help because she could not find a phone, police said.

Argo said the fire was so intense that firefighters could not attempt a rescue.

The medical examiner has not released the names of the victims, but neighbors told Channel 2 Action News reporter Rebecca Lindsrom that Nancy Millar was able to escape the flames, but her husband, mother and brother died in the fire.

"They were active in the community. I know one of the gentleman was very active in Boy Scouts. I understand they were involved in other activities. It was a tremendous loss to the community and it's a real tragedy," said Argo.