This year’s Fourth of July holiday was only minutes old when Atmore and Poarch firefighters found themselves battling a blaze that ended with the death of an 11-year-old girl.

Less than 24 hours later, just before 9 p.m., local firemen were again working to douse the flames of a fire in an Atmore home, after a 911 call reported flames and smoke at 1104 East Horner Street.

Atmore Fire Chief Gerry McGhee said no one was home at the time of the fire; however, one firefighter was sent to Atmore Community Hospital to be treated for possible heat exhaustion.

McGhee said the home suffered damage but did not appear to be a total loss. Anna Mims, who lives in the home, said her family had left for a cookout at a friend’s house only an hour before the fire broke out.

McGhee said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation has been opened.