Woods fire destroys three campers

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – White County Fire Services responded to a woods fire at 144 May Apple  Drive in a remote area of White County Sunday that also involved three campers under the same roof.

Firefighters from Stations 3 and 7 along with mutual aid from the Helen Fire Department were called at 3:15 p.m. but when theta arrived, the campers were fully involved. A report stated a resident was burning leaves and following burning guidelines when an ember from the leaf pile was blown near the cabins, starting the fire.

It took longer than normal for the fire department to arrive at the scene due to the remote location of the fire.

A temporary pond was created from a nearby stream to draw water to fight the fire.

No injuries were reported.

Unicoi Wildfire Monday morning update

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – White County Public Safety Director David Murphy provided the following update on the Unicoi Wildfire that has now burned 180 acres of forest land.

Estimated acres burned/involved = 180

USFS crews worked through the night keeping lines in tow. The reports are very good on the containment. Weather will play a significant role today as low relative humidity and wind speeds are concerned.

Unicoi left flank Division Alpha on top ridge is of primary concern with winds pushing into this area.

USFS and GFC will be working this event through the day. White County Fire Services will be on alert of structural protection. Additional stations have been manned today.

  1. Sullens assigned to Unified Command for liaison and support.

USFS PIO on site in ICP.

We continue with TYPE 3 Incident Command and Complexity.

Smith Creek Trail is closed.  Anna Ruby and Unicoi State Park is open but on alert for closure if necessary.

Planning meeting at 2PM at Unified Command.

EVENT WEATHER:

Here is the latest update on winds and other parameters for the Unicoi Fire as of 6:15 AM Monday morning.

Winds: West-northwest surface winds will increase to 8-12 mph today with occasional gusts between 15-18 mph possible. On Tuesday, southeast surface winds will be relatively light (that is, generally under 5 mph).

Humidity: Relative humidity will bottom out around 25% this afternoon, mainly between 1 PM and 5 PM, and recover to 60% to 70% overnight into early Tuesday morning. Relative humidity will drop to around 35% mainly between 1 PM and 5 PM on Tuesday afternoon.

Sky Cover: No cloud cover is expected today. Some high clouds (cirrus) will be possible on Tuesday. Low-level cloud cover will increase on Wednesday, with Thursday being mostly cloudy to overcast.

Rain: There is a slight chance of rain showers on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Widespread showers are expected on Thursday with thunderstorms possible. Periods of moderate to heavy rain are expected, and accumulated rainfall from early Thursday morning to early Friday morning could total nearly 3 inches.

Firefighters continued to battle Unicoi Wildfire Sunday

News

Firefighters spent Saturday and Sunday battling a wildfire on Tray Mountain north of Helen (Photo courtesy of Red Bird Media).

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. —  On Sunday, the U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Forestry Commission with support from White County Fire Services worked for a second day to extinguish the Unicoi Wildfire that has consumed 60 acres north of Helen.

The fire is believed to have started Saturday by a homeowner burning leaves on Tray Mountain in White County. Firefighters reportedly had the fire under control at one point, but dry, windy weather caused it to spread and led to a call for more firefighters to respond.

Firefighters ignited a controlled burn on Sunday in an effort to keep it from spreading while others used helicopters to draw water from Unicoi Lake and dropping it on the blaze.

Firefighters drew water from Unicoi Lake and dropped it on the fire to try to end the blaze. (Photo courtesy of Red Bird Media).

No injuries have been reported, however, one man was treated for smoke inhalation.

Public safety personnel urged residents to stay away from the area around SR 356, north of Helen and reminded citizens that anyone who starts a fire that damages another person’s property can be held liable.

 

Flames from Unicoi Wildfire rise high above Tray Mountain Sunday, (Photo courtesy of Red Bird Media).

 

 

FM Global Grant will bolster White County fire prevention efforts

News

CLEVELAND, Ga —  FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers, has awarded White County Fire Services a $3,000 fire prevention grant. Director of Public Safety David Murphy received the award on behalf of the county.

The award will be used to assist with pre-incident planning to efficiently collect and track data related to local community buildings. The information will help the fire service respond in an emergency situation. Because fire continues to be the leading cause of property damage worldwide, during the past 40 years FM Global has contributed millions of dollars in fire prevention grants to fire service organizations around the globe. Locally, the company has awarded grants to several Georgia-based organizations.

Michael Spaziani, assistant vice president – manager of the fire prevention grant program said, “At FM Global, we strongly believe the majority of property damage is preventable, not inevitable. Far too often, inadequate budgets prevent those organizations working to prevent fire from being as proactive as they would like to be. With additional financial support, grant recipients are actively helping to improve property risk in the communities they serve.”

Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants to fire departments—as well as national, state, regional, local and community organizations worldwide—that best demonstrate a need for funding, where dollars can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause.

To learn more about FM Global’s Fire Prevention Grant Program and other resources for the fire service, please visit www.fmglobal.com/fireservice. Established nearly 200 years ago, FM Global is a mutual insurance company whose capital, scientific research capability and engineering expertise are solely dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of its client-owners. These owners, who share the belief that most of the property loss is preventable, represent many of the world’s largest organizations, including one of every three Fortune 500 companies. They work with FM Global to better understand the hazards that can impact their business continuity in order to make cost-effective risk management decisions, combining property loss prevention with insurance protection.

No injuries are reported in Friday fire on Monroe Ridge

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. —  White County Fire Services was dispatched to a chimney fire at 553 Monroe Ridge Drive at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26th.

Firefighters arrived on scene and found a 2,000 square foot rental cabin 30 percent involved with fire through the roof, firefighters made a defensive attack until more personnel arrived.  Then firefighters made an interior attack and extinguished the fire. Stations 7, 3, Helen Fire and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade along with CERT Rehab Unit responded. No injuries were reported.

Hiker who died Tuesday identified as White County woman

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities have identified the woman who was killed in a fall from Yonah Mountain Tuesday as Jennifer Randall of White County.

Randall was hiking with her husband and young son when the accident occurred. Sources say Randall had hiked the area several times with her family.

White County Emergency Services responded to the rock face formation of Yonah Mountain on Tuesday at 10:27 a.m. for a reported fall of a female subject from the rock face.

White County Fire Services, EMS and Sheriff’s Office with mutual aid from Helen Fire Department and the Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade responded to the incident.

EMS and Fire personnel had to use a rope system to access the patient, who was pronounced deceased on the scene. Due to the location of the patient personnel had to use the rope system and basket stretcher to lift the victim back to the top of the rock. This was an extremely treacherous area and the safety of personnel were of concern.

It took several personnel to assist in the recovery of the victim, and the seen was cleared at approximately 3:30PM. This is one of those tragic accidents that can occur while hiking in the trail areas of our county.

The White County Sheriff’s Office, and GA Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident.

White County Fire Services rescues kayakers

News, Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. White County Fire Services received a call at approximately 8:30 PM from kayakers requesting assistance from the river.  These kayakers had got caught in the darkness of night and could not maneuver to the end point.

Firefighters responded from Fire Station 2, Swift water 4 and EMS to assist in retrieving the two individuals from the river bank.

They were located in the area of 11046 Duncan Bridge Road, and firefighters used GPS coordinates from the individuals cellphone to quickly locate these individuals.  No injuries occurred in the incident.

At approximately 8:15 PM Tuesday night, persons drove to Helen Fire Station and reported a camper on fire on Poplar Stump Road in Chattahoochee Campground.  Helen Fire with County Station 7, County Station 3 and EMS were dispatched to the incident.  Helen Engine 32 arrived on scene to report a 20’ camper with heavy smoke from the engine compartment.  Fire was quickly extinguished and units were back in service.

White County Fire Services responds to woods fire

News

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –White County Fire Services responded to a woods fire in the area of Whitley Gap shelter on the Appalachian Trail. Four fire service personnel had to hike into the area to determine the exact location of the fire.

Upon arrival of personnel at the shelter, they located a male hiker in his 70’s, they stayed with him until they could safely evacuate him to his vehicle. USFS personnel were notified and responded to extinguish the fire due to it being on National Forest property.

White County Fire Service personnel were on scene four hours assisting, estimated area involved was roughly 5-6 acres. The start of the fire was believed to be intentional.

Fire Chief Alexander honored on retirement

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Monday, White County Fire Services ceremonially honored long time employees and promoted a senior employee to the rank of Chief. This week Chief Norman Alexander will retire after 15 years with White County as an employee. Chief Alexander served prior to his employment as a volunteer firefighter.

“It has been an honor to serve with Norman, a humble man with solid integrity, and professionalism. He is a good friend and I will certainly miss him being part of our team,” said David Murphy, Director of Public Safety.
Norman began his career in August of 2005 as the Assistant Fire Chief. He was promoted to Chief during the consolidation of Emergency Services in White
County.

Prior to his service in White, he retired from Hall County serving faithfully for many years. “Norman is a legend in the North Georgia Fire Service, I say that will all due respect. He is well known, has great connections, and highly respected. He serves his personnel, and leads with passion,” said Murphy.

Another long-term employee retiring is Firefighter/Admin Ana Newberry. Ana has served for seventeen years, under three Fire Chief’s. That tells you a lot about her abilities! “She is the glue that has held the department together,” states Murphy, “She certainly keeps us all in line, and makes sure we are following all requirements to keep our department in compliance and within standards.”

Ana has served in several capacities to include Public Information Officer, training, and safety officer. She has been recognized as well this week by career and volunteers throughout the county.

As the fire department continues to grow and move forward, with the foundations laid by Chief Alexander, and prior Chief’s, the selection of a new Chief was very important.

“Chief Alexander recommended to myself and the County Manager several months ago, Lt. Seth Weaver.” Says Murphy, “Seth has been with the
department since 2014 and has served in a variety of capacities. He was promoted to Assistant Chief several months ago to train directly with Chief Alexander. I’m excited about the future, and he certainly has the foundation to continue to build upon.”

Chief Weaver was ceremonially pinned as the new Chief at 2 p.m. Monday in the County EOC, with peers, family and elected officials in attendance while
maintaining our social distancing.

For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.

Former Old Silver Spur Skating Rink destroyed by fire

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – A skating rink that used to be a very popular gathering place for young people in White County was completely destroyed by fire early this morning (Jan. 3).

At approximately 2 a.m., firefighters from White County, the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale responded to a fire at 33 Roller Rink Road in Cleveland – a facility formerly known as the Old Silver Spur Skating Rink.

According to a report by White County Fire Services, the structure was over 80 percent involved when the call was received by the E911 Center. Upon arrival of the first fire units, the structure was approaching 100 percent involvement which made it a defensive fire operation.

The longstanding 4,000 square-foot structure stored commercial equipment and also housed 10 family members all of which were able to evacuate the structure with no injuries.

The Red Cross was called to assist the family. The structure and eight vehicles were damaged and/or destroyed. Five vehicles were inside the building and three were outside at the time of the fire.

Firefighters were on scene for a total of six hours. No firefighter injuries were reported. White County Fire Investigator Jason Davis was called to the scene and the incident is currently under 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. 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

 

 

Sunday fires keep firefighters busy

News

PRESS RELEASE

CLEVELAND, Ga. — It was a very busy weekend for firefighters from the White County, Cleveland, Helen fire departments.

Just a little after 9 a.m. Sunday, White County Fire Services was dispatched to 2051 Helen Hwy, Yonah Burger for reported smoke coming from the ceiling.  Fire Stations for White County, Cleveland and Helen were also dispatched to the incident.  The first arriving unit reported “nothing showing” and began to investigate.  After investigating the scene it is believed the smoke was being generated from the HVAC system in part of the building.  The restaurant was allowed to reopen for business, and advised to have their system checked.

At 1:30 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to 70 Leatherford Road for reported house fire.  Cleveland Fire with county stations 2 and 4 were dispatched with assistance from Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade, and the White County CERT REHAB Unit.   The first arriving unit reported 50% involvement.   One minor burn, to an occupant was treated on the scene by EMS, and unfortunately a pet was lost in the fire.   Red Cross was called to assist three people displaced from the home, and the fire is under investigation.

At approximately 4 a.m. today (Dec. 23), firefighters were dispatched to 692 Allen Anderson Road for a reported structure fire.  First arriving unit found a working fire in the carport area.  Fire was quickly extinguished with no reported injuries.   County stations 4, and 2 with City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale responded to the incident.  The fire is under 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. 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

 

 

 

 

Man suffers serious burns while clearing land

News

Air Life 2 helicopter arrives to transport burn victim today.

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County Fire Services responded to a report of a burn victim today (Aug. 23) around 1 p.m. to 3216 Highway 75 South.

Firefighter Ana Newberry said the unidentified 26-year-old-male subject was clearing the property and was about to burn the brush that was cleared for his construction project.  In lighting the brush, a flashover occurred burning the man.

Newberry reports he suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns.  Fire and EMS personnel prepared the patient for transport to the landing zone on Westmoreland Road where the Air Life 2 helicopter transported him to Grady Hospital.  No other injuries were reported.

Fetch Your News will have more details as they become available.

 

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

Fire Destroys Home on Pine Brook Trail

News

DAVID MURPHY JR.CLEVELAND, Ga. – A fire at 38 Pine Brook Trail in White County completely destroyed a mobile home early Thursday morning but the occupants escaped unharmed.

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said in an email that White County Fire Services from Stations 2 and 3 responded to a 911 call at approximately 2:40 a.m. along with mutual aid from the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade.

When the first unit arrived firefighters reported flames showing on the southeast corner of the residence.  Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire, but the residence will be deemed a total loss.

The fire is currently under investigation.

Cause of Skylake Fire is Still Undetermined

News, State & National

CLEVELAND, Ga. — Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of a fire at 172 Woodbrier in Skylake Subdivision on New Year’s Day.

White County Fire Services was dispatched at 5 p.m and saw smoke coming from the eaves of the structure. No one was in the home at the time but the owner was on the scene and provided a key for firefighters to enter through the front door.

Heavy smoke was visible on the main floor but firefighters did not see any flames, which lead them to investigate the basement. Entry was made and the seat of the fire was found to be in the front portion of the basement near a mechanical room just below the dining room. Firefighters could see the furnishings as the fire had burned through the ceiling to the upstairs main floor.

The fire was quickly extinguished and upon clearing the smoke with positive pressure fans, it appeared that this fire had been burning for quite some time.
State Fire Investigator Brian Smith was called to the scene to try and determine how the fire started.

White County Fire received Automatic Aid from City of Helen Fire and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade 1. No injuries were reported. Firefighters were on scene for 4 hours.

Cleveland Home Destroyed by Christmas Eve Fire

News

CLEVELAND — A Christmas Eve fire in Cleveland displaced one person.

Cleveland Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt said firefighters received the call to 365 Hood St., just after 5 p.m.

Pruitt said a passerby saw smoke coming from the residence, kicked the door in and located the resident.

The male occupant had been cooking, left the kitchen and fell asleep. The victim, who was treated for smoke inhalation, was not otherwise injured.

The home sustained heavy damage. Along with Cleveland Fire, White County Fire Services units assisted in battling the blaze.

Firefighters Battle Mobile Home Blaze in Cleveland

Business

CLEVELAND, Ga. — The Cleveland Fire Department and White County Fire Services responded to to a mobile home fire at 340 Boulevard Street this morning  just before 1 a.m.

The resident, who was not identified, informed firefighters he was awakened by the fire alarm and managed to escape injury. The fire was contained in the bedroom area but the entire home suffered smoke damage.

Cleveland Fire Marshall Charlie Bryson investigated and determined the fire was accidental and was caused by an electrical malfunction.

Fetch Your News will have more details when they become available.

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