Man Dies Following Structure Fire in Southeast Forsyth

A 56-year-old man was severely injured after escaping a structure fire near his home in southeast Forsyth County over the weekend but later died.

Around 9:20 p.m. on Friday, March 9 emergency crews were sent to 2275 Holly Court for a report of a structure fire. They arrived six minutes later to find a "workshop," located near a house, fully engulfed in flames.

"It was heavily involved with fire – virtually 100 percent," said Capt. Jason Shivers with the Forsyth County Fire Department.

When firefighters got to the scene they found Ricky Mills who suffered extensive burns, according to Shivers.

"He had been inside the building before our arrival, but was able to self-rescue and get out," he said.

Mills was given immediate aid and then transported by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

"Unfortunately he did pass away Sunday morning due to those injuries," said Shivers.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the inferno, but the structure was deemed "a total loss."

"There was practically nothing left of the building," Shivers said.

While authorities believe the fire was an accident the fire is under investigation.

"Our hearts go out to the family – it's a horrible loss and as a fire department we do feel for their loss," Shivers added.