JOHNS CREEK, Ga. -- A woman and two dogs were killed in a large house fire in Johns Creek.
The fire broke out shortly before 6 a.m. Monday at 125 Summer Crest Court, in the Summer Trace subdivision.
The house was fully involved when crews arrived and was destroyed in the blaze. Johns Creek Fire Chief Jeff Hogan said the fire started in the living room of the split-level house. Its cause is under investigation, but firefighters believe the house did not have a working smoke alarm.
Hogan said firefighters were forced to climb ladders and enter the house through a window at the top of the garage to battle the blaze from above.
The victim's body was found 15 feet from the front door. She was identified Tuesday as 59-year-old Debra Ann "Dusty" Segars.
Neighbors told 11Alive's Kaitlyn Ross that Segars ran a hairdressing business out of the house. They said she was very popular in the neighborhood and welcomed everyone into her home.
"There are a lot of broken hearts in Johns Creek today," one neighbor said.
Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker expressed his sadness at Segars' death.
"On behalf of the city and myself personally, I would like to convey heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dusty Segars," Bodker said. "It sounds from her neighbors and friends like she was a delightful person. I want to thank our firefighters for their quick and brave response. They did all that could be done. It is truly a tragedy."
