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ATLANTA, Fulton County, Ga., Nov. 10, 2026 — A 99-year-old woman died early on Tuesday morning, November 10, after a house fire tore through her home in the Collier Heights neighborhood of northwest Atlanta. The blaze caused the second floor of the house to collapse, according to Atlanta Fire Rescue.
Crews were called to a home on Larchmont Court at about 5:30 a.m. and found heavy flames, a collapsed second floor and a downed power line, the agency said. Firefighters searched the house multiple times before locating the woman on the first floor near the carport. A brief emergency was declared for a firefighter during the search, but it was called off after the firefighter was found safe. The scene has since been cleared.
Atlanta Fire Rescue Chief Andrew Anderson said the house's layout and a possible gas line made the fire difficult to fight. Investigators believe the fire started on the first floor and said it is not considered suspicious, though the exact cause remains under investigation. It has not been confirmed whether a caretaker who lived in a separate building on the property called 911.
The woman has been identified as Phyllis Foreman Lawhorn, a retired educator and author who had lived in the home since building it in 1963. Lawhorn taught English and literature at Clark Atlanta University for 27 years and was among the Black teachers chosen in 1968 to help integrate Atlanta's public school faculties. She had recently finished a book on the history of Collier Heights.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Local Accident Information for Atlanta, GA
The incident was reported on Larchmont Court in Atlanta. For more accident news from the area, see our Fulton County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes house fires like this one?
House fires are commonly linked to electrical faults, heating equipment, cooking accidents, or gas-related issues. In this case, officials have not pinned down an exact cause, though they do not consider it suspicious.
What should residents do if they suspect a gas leak or electrical hazard at home?
Leave the property immediately, avoid using light switches or anything that could spark, and call the fire department or gas utility from a safe distance before re-entering.
How can homeowners reduce fire risk in older houses?
Regular inspection of wiring and gas lines, working smoke detectors on every floor, and a clear evacuation plan can help residents respond faster if a fire starts.
