VIDEO: Preston Fant, a 21-year DeKalb County Fire Department veteran who died in a warehouse blaze on Monday, is the first firefighter in county history to die while fighting a fire, according to Chief Darnell Fullum.
Fullum, who became emotional during a news conference on Tuesday, said Fant was “an elite firefighter” and a “father figure.” Fant was married with five children.
A fire broke out at a warehouse at 2517 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. Fire officials have not said how the fire began, and the scene is still under investigation.
Fullum said Fant, 53, died after entering the building and becoming overcome by “fire conditions.” Other firefighters rescued Fant from the blaze, and he was rushed to Grady Hospital, where he died.
Flags across DeKalb County, including at Station 24 where Fant worked for his entire career, have been lowered to half-staff.
