WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County officials are urging residents to check their heating systems and smoke alarms after firefighters responded to three separate fires in less than 24 hours.
“As we move into colder months, residents should stay mindful of fire hazards,” the county said Tuesday. “Inspect heating equipment, fireplaces, and space heaters before use, and make sure smoke alarms are working. Taking simple precautions now can prevent fires and save lives.”
Series of fires
The reminder follows a string of fires across Cleveland that kept White County and Cleveland firefighters busy on Monday and Tuesday. The blazes kept crews busy but ended without causing serious injuries or major damage thanks to firefighters’ quick action.
Hamilton Drive – Monday, Nov. 10, 6:45 p.m.
Firefighters were called to a home on Hamilton Drive after a bathroom fire spread into the attic. Crews safely removed an immobile resident and quickly brought the fire under control. The blaze was contained to the home, and no one was injured.
Fieldstone Road – Tuesday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m.
Early Tuesday, crews responded to reports of smoke in a two-story house on Fieldstone Road. Firefighters found flames burning inside a wall and extinguished them before the fire spread. No injuries were reported.
Brooks Street – Tuesday, Nov. 11, 9:25 a.m.
Less than an hour later, firefighters responded to a commercial fire on Brooks Street, where an HVAC unit outside the building was burning. The fire was quickly extinguished and did not damage the structure.
White County Public Safety praised the fast, coordinated response of local fire departments and volunteers, saying their teamwork prevented each of the fires from becoming far more serious.
Recent fires around the region
Several other residential fires were reported in Northeast Georgia during the coldest day so far this season.
A chimney fire displaced a Cornelia family Monday night, November 10. Cornelia Fire Chief Billie Joe Jenkins said the fire started near the attic after the family lit a fire in the fireplace to keep warm.
And in Hall County, a residence in Flowery Branch caught fire not once, but twice. Firefighters battled extremely cold temperatures and gusty winds as they worked to bring the blaze on Guth Road under control after it broke out Monday evening.
Approximately 12 hours later, firefighters returned to the scene after the fire rekindled. No one was injured. The home was a total loss.
