Fire destroys White County rental cabin

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — A family of 10 was displaced from a rental cabin Saturday morning when a fire completely destroyed the structure.

White County Fire Station 6 was dispatched on June 19 at approximately 10:30 a.m. to a smoke investigation in the area of Little Bear Court and Gold Flume Way. Upon arrival, they found the cabin fully involved.

Cleveland Fire was dispatched on Mutual Aid with Stations 2 & 4 to assist. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family.

Eight fire fighters spent approximately five hours on scene controlling the blaze from spreading and shuttling water to the scene.  The fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s Office

Firefighters respond to early-morning fire at Camp Coleman

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Firefighters respond to an early morning fire at Camp Coleman just north of Cleveland. White County Firefighters with mutual aid from Cleveland Fire and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade responded to 201 Camp Coleman Drive at 1:04 a.m. on Thursday May 27th.

The building was a storage shed for the camp, and was approximately 70% involved upon arrival of personnel. Firefighter set up a defensive attack due to exposure, power line issues and the extent of fire involvement at arrival. No one was injured, and the fire is under investigation.

Fire personnel remained on scene for approximately 5.5 hours.

Early morning fire destroys SR 129 home

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Fire with mutual aid from Cleveland City, and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade responded to 3389 US 129 south early this morning (April 13) to a residential fire.  First units on scene reported a 3,000 square foot house 70 percent involved with a 100-gallon propane tank that had vented and was burning as well.  Firefighters set up a defensive attack and remained on scene for approximately six hours. The home was a total loss.

No injuries were reported, and the fire is under investigation.  Home owners did not need Red Cross assistance.

Occupants escape Skitts Mountain fire

News, Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –On Thursday (Jan. 14) At 12:12 pm, White County Fire Stations 4 and 2, with mutual aid from, Cleveland fire and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade were dispatched to a residential fire at 183 Skitts Mountain Rd.

Upon arrival firefighters reported the house was 40 percent involved and all occupants were out.  Firefighters made a quick attack and knocked down the fire.  Firefighters were on scene for 3.5 hours.

No injuries were reported, and Red Cross was called to assist the occupants.

UPDATED: Investigators say apartment complex fire was intentionally set

News

Updated 5/4/20:

WHITE COUNTY MAN WANTED FOR CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

ATLANTA – Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are currently searching for the whereabouts of James Christopher Hughes, 63, of Cleveland, Georgia. Hughes is wanted for one count of Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree for his alleged involvement in setting fire to his own home off of Campbell Street in Cleveland on April 29.

“Several occupants were home at the time this fire was set, but thankfully only minor damages were caused and no injuries were sustained. However, this is still an illegal and highly dangerous act that will not be tolerated in Georgia,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “If you have any information on the whereabouts of this individual, please call my Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804.”
Investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office are assisting the City of Cleveland Fire

Department and the White County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

ATLANTA – According to a press release from the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office a fire at a White County apartment complex last week was intentionally set.

The fire was set in a busted hole in the drywall between the bathroom and bedroom area of the apartment. “The occupants of the 19-year-old, 1,200 square-foot apartment were home at the time the arson occurred, but thankfully the fire only caused minor damages and no injuries were sustained,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King.

“If you have any information on the individual or individuals responsible, I ask that you call my Fire Investigations Unit at 1-800-282-5804.” Rewards are offered of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist(s).

Calls are taken 24 hours a day and callers can choose to remain anonymous. Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the City of Cleveland Fire Department and White County Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.

UPDATE: 3 people injured in Stansel Rd. brush fire

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – On Tuesday (Jan. 21) at approximately 6:30 p.m., White County fire units with automatic aid from the City of Cleveland responded to a reported structure fire at 1135 Stansel Road off Adair Mill Rd.

Once on scene, it was determined that is was not a structure fire but a brush pile that was smoldering and a flammable liquid was used. This caused an explosion resulting in burns to two unidentified adult males. One was transported via helicopter with life- threatening injuries and one refused treatment/transport. An off-duty sheriff’s deputy who lived next door received minor burns to his hands while trying to render aid.

Fire personnel extinguished the brush pile and remained on scene to assist with landing zones and patient care. Units were on scene for approximately two hours.

An unidentified 19-year-old male suffered second- and third-degree burns and was airlifted to Grady Burn Center in Atlanta and was last reported in stable condition. The name is being released due to notification of next of kin.

A unidentified 20-year-old male suffered first- and second-degree burns to his lower extremities. He refused to transport and was treated on scene.

An off-duty White County patrol deputy lived next door, responded to the scene and received first degree burns to his hand while trying to render aid to the burn victims.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Cleveland storage facility destroyed by fire

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Firefighters from the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade responded to an explosion at a personal storage facility in the 400 block of Possum Trot Road Saturday (Jan. 20) at 10:30 p.m.

Ana Newberry, a firefighter with White County Fire Services, said the 60-foot by 30-foot building was unoccupied when units from Stations 2, 4 and 5 arrived but heavy smoke was visible. Newberry said the owners, who live across the street, heard the explosion, then went outside, saw smoke coming from the rear of the building and called 911

Firefighters were on the scene for approximately two and a half hours. The building sustained heavy smoke and heat damage and two firefighters suffered minor injuries. “

“Two firefighters suffered minor injuries but were treated on the scene by White County EMS,” she said via phone Tuesday.

The fire is not considered suspicious but Fire and Arson Investigators Lt. Jason Reed and Lt. Jason Davis are investigating to determine how the fire started.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

Home on New Bridge Road destroyed by fire

News

 

CLEVELAND, Ga. – A home and outbuilding on New Bridge Road in Cleveland were destroyed by fire Monday afternoon.

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said White County Fire Services, with automatic aid from the City of Cleveland, responded to a report that the outbuilding was possibly hit by lightning during an afternoon rain storm.  The outbuilding was about 15 feet from the main structure with a 250-gallon propane tank close to the outbuilding just about 10 feet from the home.

Upon fire personnel found the outbuilding heavily involved with fire with radiant heat and fire damage to the home. Hose lines were deployed between the building and the home. One fire team made an interior attack on the home.

The fire was quickly extinguished and the State Fire Marshall was called to investigate the true cause.  The home was equipped with working smoke alarms which did alert the family.

The Red Cross was called to assist the occupants of the home.  No injuries were reported.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

 

 

Firefighters battle mobile home fire on Veras Dr.

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. — Monday morning at 10 a.m., White County firefighters with automatic aid from the City of Cleveland responded to a residential structure fire on Veras Drive.

Upon arrival, light smoke was showing from the eaves and once access was made to the home, black smoke filled the living area.  Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and cleared the home of smoke.  The occupant arrived on scene and stated he had just left about 20 minutes prior.

It was determined that the stack from the wood burning stove was slightly dislodged at the roof but enough to allow for the fire to burn into the attic area of the mobile home.

The occupant had denied Red Cross assistance; no injuries were reported.  Firefighters were on scene for approximately 45 minutes.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

‘Active shooter’ training exercise at White County Middle School April 4

News

CLEVELAND, Ga . — White County Public Safety Director David Murphy wants the public to be aware that an “active shooter training” exercise will take place at White County Middle School on Wednesday, April 4, from 7 a.m. until noon.

This is a joint exercise by the school system, Cleveland Police Department, White County Sheriff’s Office, White County Public Safety, Cleveland Fire Department and the Georgia Emergency Management-Homeland Security Agency.

Murphy said the exercise will evaluate the plans for both the system and first responders in the event an actual situation should occur. This exercise will include volunteer students and faculty from White County Schools and Truett – McConnell University.

The public should be aware of the increased presence of personnel on this date and not be alarmed as this is only an exercise of emergency response plans.

School systems and public safety personnel all across Georgia have conducted these exercises for some time, but the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 students and faculty Feb. 14, has led to a heightened awareness of the importance of such exercises.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

House fire started by outdoor grill left unattended

News

PRESS RELEASE

 

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Fire Services — with Automatic Aid from City of Cleveland Fire, City of Helen Fire, and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade 1 — was dispatched to 216 Welcome Lane in Cleveland at 1:30 a.m. today

The home owner advised the 911 Center that he could see smoke and flames and they were exiting the home. Upon arrival of the first fire units, the 3,500 square-foot home was heavily involved with fire. Once fire personnel extinguished the fire, firefighters began salvage and overhaul including the removal of personal items from the home to avoid further damage.

State Fire Investigator Brian Smith was called to the scene and determined that the fire appeared to have started in the area of the main floor outdoor deck where the owner had been using a Big Green Egg just hours before the fire occurred. According to the owner, they left the fire in the Big Green Egg still burning with the lid closed after removing their food. The fire appears to have burned up the back wall of the residence and into the attic area.

The White County CERT REHAB team responded to the scene and assisted the home owners and fire personnel on scene. There were no injuries reported and the home owners declined assistance from the Red Cross as they have family in the area.

Firefighters were on scene for more than nine hours.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Wednesday’s house fire is being investigated

News

White County firefighters battle blaze on Ostrich Drive Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County firefighters, with automatic aid from the City of Cleveland, responded to a house fire at 238 Ostrich Drive off of Duncan Bridge Road early Wednesday morning.

The 4,000-square-foot house was fully involved when the first units arrived. They quickly confirmed that no one was in the residence and began to knock down the fire. Firefighters were on the scene for more than five hours and reported difficulty with the home’s long, narrow driveway and required assistance in getting the trucks out of the mud.

State Fire Investigator Robi Wilkins was called to the scene, and the incident is presently under investigation.

No injuries were reported as a result of the house fire.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Firefighters battle blaze on Ricky West Road

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County firefighters along with the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale firefighters responded to a residential fire on Ricky West Road today (Jan. 16) at 4:30 a.m.

The home owner called in the fire but he informed the 9-1-1 Center that the house was already heavily involved and that he was the only occupant.  He also stated that he suspects it may have started in the chimney and spread quickly through the home.  The fire is currently under investigation by White County Fire Investigator, however, it is not deemed suspicious.

Firefighters were on scene for more than five hours. The White County CERT REHAB truck was called to the scene to assist firefighters and the home owner.  Fire personnel continued to check on the property throughout the day for hot spots.  No injuries were reported and assistance from Red Cross was declined.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Citizen tip leads to drug bust in White County

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – A citizen’s complaint is responsible for taking more methamphetamine off the streets of White County this week.

Following a two-month investigation, the White County Sheriff’s Office, Cleveland Police Department, and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) served a search warrant at David Bell’s residence, 96 Greenview Court, that resulted in the seizure of 16 grams of methamphetamine, a .22 caliber handgun and a sawed-off shotgun.

The street value of the illegal narcotics is $1,600. Christian Poulos, 22, was at Bell’s house and was arrested for probation violation warrants. Bell, 36, was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm with altered serial numbers. Bell and Poulos were transported to the White County Detention Center.

For additional information about ARDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for ARDEO @appalachiandtf on Twitter or follow on Facebook @appalachianrdeo and/or Instagram.

The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the following Sheriff’s Offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Jackson County, Habersham County, Stephens County, Rabun County, Franklin County, the Cleveland Police Department, the Lavonia Police Department, and the Toccoa Police Department, along with the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

Fire destroys school superintendent’s home

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Fire destroyed the Teal Mountain Drive family home of White County School Superintendent Jeff Wilson shortly after noon Monday.

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said the house is a complete loss, but no one was at home and no injuries were reported.

White County responded with automatic aid from the City of Cleveland Fire Department. Flames were visible when the first units arrived on the scene.

Murphy said it is believed that the fire was accidental, but state fire investigator Brian Smith was called to determine the cause of the fire.

The Bridge Church in Cleveland has established a fund to help the family. An online donation can be made at www.thebridgeonline.securegive.com and all proceeds collected will go directly to the family, with no administrative fees deducted.

For more information, visit The Bridge Church’s Facebook page or website.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Firefighters battle blaze on Goat Neck Road

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County firefighters responded to a residential fire at 1266 Goat Neck Road Wednesday at approximately 10 p.m.

The first units to arrive at the scene found a 1,200-square foot workshop fully engulfed in flames with fire extending to a pump house, a greenhouse and nearly one acre of grass.

Although there were 15 mph winds, the firefighters, with automatic aid of Cleveland Fire Department, made a quick knockdown of the fires using water and firefighting foam to minimize the damage to the contents of the workshop and for quicker extinguishment.

Firefighters remained on scene until 1 a.m. today with a single fire unit returning around 2:30 a.m. to check for any rekindles.

The home owners were at home at the time of the fire, but no injuries were reported.  The state fire investigator will be on scene today to determine the cause of the fire; however, it is deemed not suspicious at this time.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Back to Top