Firefighters Rescue Hiker Who Fell From Top of Raven Cliff Waterfall
News April 20, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga – An unidentified hiker was injured Wednesday when he fell from the top of the waterfall area of Raven Cliff at about 3 p.m.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said in an email that the hiker had gone to the top of the falls where he slipped and fell onto the last ledge before the main drop of the falls (approximately 55 foot vertical drop). White said firefighters from White County’s Stations 2 and 3 with mutual aid from the City of Helen Fire Department and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade responded to the call and removed the hiker from the falls to an area where Georgia State Patrol aviation using a Bell 429 helicopter with a hoist extracted the hiker and transported him to White County Med 2 where he was further evaluated and then transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment.
White said the injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.
Coroner IDs Body Found in Home That Exploded
News February 7, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Coroner Ricky Barrett today identified the body found in the remains of the home that exploded at 64 Rhododendron Lane as 71-year-old Edgar Brummett of Sautee Nacoochee.
Georgia Fire Marshall Public Information Officer Glen Allen said a propane gas leak caused the explosion that completely destroyed the home and damaged several others.
The home was owned by John Edgar Boyes but no other injuries were reported.
“We do know it was a propane gas leak but we have not determined at this time what caused the leak,” Allen said.
Rhododendron Lane is located in Mt. Yonah Scenic Estates in White County.
Units from the White County Fire Department, Helen Fire Department, White County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Forestry Service all responded.
Family Escapes House Fire Uninjured but the Home on Lakeview Lane is a Total Loss
News June 14, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Firefighters from White County, the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale responded to a house fire on Lakeview Lane, west of the Cleveland city limits at about 6 a.m. today.
White County spokeswoman Ana Newberry said in an email that all occupants of the home had exited the 1700-foot structure before firefighters arrived and that flames could be seen through the roof of the structure.
The homeowner, who was not identified, told firefighters she “awoke to the smell of smoke and later heard an explosion” and quickly exited the home with her children.
The state investigator and local fire investigators were called to the scene to try and determine a cause. The home is unlivable at this time. Firefighters were on scene for about three hours. No injuries were reported.
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No Injuries in Residential White County Fire
News March 10, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County and City of Cleveland fire departments responded to a residential fire at 377 Oglethorpe Lane in northern White County Wednesday afternoon.
Upon arrival, firefighters were advised by the residents that they had pulled back the pinning to the mobile home and extinguished the fire with a garden hose.
The residents stated that they had been out of the state and had just returned earlier that morning. As protocol, the county Fire Investigator – Robert Wilkins, was called to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. After a thorough investigation, Wilkins stated that there was a short in the HVAC system. Firefighters then checked deep underneath the home and discovered residual smoke and removed some insulation so no further ignition would occur.
The residents were advised to keep the power off until the HVAC was repaired and a qualified electrician inspected the home. The property owner was contacted and advised of the situation.
No injuries were reported and the residents declined assistance from the Red Cross.
Lost Hiker Located and Led to Safety
News February 17, 2017
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County firefighters. the Georgia State Patrol and U.S. Forest Service were called on to rescue a lost hiker Wednesday evening.
The hiker had driven to US Forest Road 79 (Tray Mountain Road) in northern White County to begin the hike. White County Public Safety Director said he apparently became lost after veering off the path and could not find his way back to his vehicle.
Firefighters were contacted and they called in a Georgia State Patrol helicopter. The lost hiker was able to talk directly to the helicopter crew who guided the to Odis Barron Road in Habersham. U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement met him and escorted him to safety. He was not injured.
The incident lasted about 3 1/2 hours.
Firefighters Respond to Chimney Fire
News February 10, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County firefighters from Stations 2 and 4 and the City of Cleveland responded to a chimney fire Friday morning that extended to the walls of the structure.
Upon arrival, heavy smoke was visible from the exterior of the home and flames and could also be seen coming from the top of the chimney. The occupants had safely evacuated the premises before firefighters arrived.
Firefighters entered the structure and used an extinguisher to try and put the fire out. A roof ladder was then used as the fire extended into the attic area. Once the wall surface was removed, a quick knock down occurred.
The Red Cross was called for the family but no injuries were reported. Firefighters were on scene for about 2 hours.
Fire services would like to remind everyone to have chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
Fire Marshal Confirms Gas Leak Caused Fatal Explosion
News February 7, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — Georgia Fire Marshall Public Information Officer Glen Allen confirmed Monday that a propane gas leak caused the explosion at 64 Rhododendron Lane in White County that killed one person, completely destroyed one home and damages several others.
Allen said the owner of the home is John Edgar Boyes but he added the identity of the male victim could not be released pending an autopsy. No other injuries were reported.
“We do know it was a propane gas leak but we have not determined at this time what caused the leak,” Allen said.
Rhododendron Lane is located in Mt. Yonah Scenic Estates in White County.
Units from the White County Fire Department, Helen Fire Department, White County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Forestry Service all responded.
Man Killed When Home on Rhododendron Lane Explodes
News February 3, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — A White County man was killed and several homes suffered damage when a home exploded at 64 Rhododendron Lane in Mt. Yonah Scenic Estates around 10:48 a.m. Friday.
White County Sheriff Neal Walden said this afternoon that the home was completely destroyed along with several surrounding structures and while examining the scene and debris, the man’s body was located. Officials had not released the man’s identification late Friday pending an autopsy by the state crime lab.
Walden added that units from the White County Fire Department, Helen Fire Department, White County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Forestry Service responded and that investigators are attempting do determine the cause.
The Forestry Services worked to ensure the explosion didn’t ignite fires to the surrounding forest.
Public Safety Director Murphy told reporters Friday afternoon that “ It appears a propane leak inside the residence caused the explosion.”
Fire Department Responds to Chimney Fire in White County
News January 27, 2017
CLEVELAND, GA. — White County firefighters from Stations 4 and 5 and Cleveland Fire Department responded to a fire at 95 Mason Drive Thursday at about 8 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered flames coming from the top of the chimney. The family had self-evacuated prior to firefighters arrival.
According to an email from White County Public Safety Director David Murphy, firefighters attempted to extinguished the chimney fire by dry chemical extinguisher and then water. Occupants were able to remain in the home once the fire department deployed PPV (positive pressure ventilation).
Firefighters were on scene for about two hours and no injuries were reported.
The family did not require assistance by the Red Cross.
White County Firefighters Kept Busy Monday
News January 23, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County firefighters were kept busy Monday. After they responded to an early morning blaze at Piney Mountain Ammunition Company they were called to a residential fire at 412 Briarwood Drive in Cleveland in the afternoon.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said fire units from White County, the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale fire brigade arrived to find smoke inside the residence, which originated from an electric stove. They shut off the power to the residence, cleared the smoke and contacted the landlord.
One male subject on scene had to be checked by EMS, but did nor require transport to a hospital.
Three Weekend Fires Reported in Cleveland
News January 31, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — It was a very busy weekend for firefighters in Cleveland and White County who responded to three fires.
Both fire departments responded to a house fire at 135 Old Blairsville Road inside the city limits Sunday evening.
Lt. Mark Gunter of the Cleveland Fire Department said an HVAC unit caught fire and units responded at 9:03 p.m. The home suffered little damage and there were no injuries.
Gunter said the homeowner disconnected the HVAC, turned off other utilities and evacuated the residence before firefighters arrived.
Gunter added that the city and county fire departments have worked together to educate the public about what to do in case of a fire and the homeowner did the right thing.
Earlier in the day, the City of Cleveland Stations 4 and 5 responded to the report of structure fire at a home on Wildwood Trail. Upon arrival, firefighters found it to be a chimney fire with no apparent danger. Creosote buildup had caused the “flare up.” Firefighters advised the homeowner to have the chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep prior to using it again.
Next came a flare up on Hood Acres Road where firefighters discovered what had been reported as but turned out to be another chimney fire caused by a creosote build up in the chimney.
Fortunately, little damage was done and there were no injuries in any of the fires.
Commercial Fire in Cleveland Injures One Employee
News January 16, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — One employee suffered burns to his right arm in a fire at North Georgia Powerstroke Diesel on Hwy 129 south of Cleveland Monday afternoon.
White County 9-1-1 dispatch received the call at 1:19 PM. The commercial fire prompted several fire units from White County and City of Cleveland Fire Departments.
The owner of the business, Patrick Knight, said, “We use a flammable brake cleaner to wash parts with and at some point somebody hit something and it arced,” He said they used two fire extinguishers on the blaze but were unable to put it out.
Knight said Deruk Staton tried to save one of the vehicles and received burns on his right arm.
Cleveland Fire Department And White County fire units quickly brought the blaze under control.
Knight said, three vehicles in the shop area were damaged by either the fire or from smoke from the fire.
Skylake Fire Under Investigation
News November 28, 2016
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Firefighters were called to the scene of a residential fire at 1356 Woodbrier in the Skylake Community shortly after midnight Sunday.
Units from White County Fire Stations, 2,3 and 6 responded along with Automatic Aid from the City of Helen and Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute but the fire was fully involved when they arrived.
Upon arrival of the first fire units, all occupants were out of the home and stated they had been out of town and had just returned to find the home heavy with fire.
Firefighters extinguished the fire at the structure and also where it had extended into the woods. Georgia Forestry was called to the scene and assisted in putting out what hot spots remained. They returned later in the day to extinguish additional hot spots. Habersham
State Fire Investigator, Robbie Wilkins, was called to the scene where the fire is currently under investigation.
The Red Cross was not called as the residents stated they had family in the County and would be staying with them.
Firefighters were on scene for approximately five hours. No injuries were reported.
Commissioners OK Voter-Approved Changes to Alcohol Ordinance
News November 29, 2016
CLEVELAND, Ga. — During Monday’s called meeting, the White County Board of Commissioners put its stamp of approval on changes to the alcohol ordinance approved by voters during the November 8 election.
The changes, which include the sale of distilled spirits by the drink, Sunday retail package sales of beer and wine and Sunday sales by the drink for beer, wine and distilled spirits, will become effective Jan 1. Retailers must continue to adhere to the part of the ordinance that requires that alcohol sales not exceed 40 percent of their total sales. A distilled spirits license will cost $2,500.
Commissioners also agreed to switch the county employees’ retirement plan to GEBCorp, an Association County Commissioners of Georgia company. Commissioners pointed out that employees who like their current plan can keep it. In making the motion to approve GEBCorp, Commissioner Edwin Nix said he would not make the motion, “if I did not believe our employees will have a chance to make more money with their money.”
Commissioners also approved:
The abandonment of a portion of Stover Road at the owner’s request;
A state mandated revision of the county’s soil erosion, sedimentation, and pollution control ordinance;
The purchase of an ATV by the White County Fire Department for $16,047.85 from Gainesville Motorsports, to be fully funded by a Homeland Security Grant;
A funding request from Sautee Nacoochee Community Association for marketing of the Winterfest Arts Tour;
A resolution for adjustments to the FY 2017 budget related to revisions in the Fair Labor Standarts Act (FSLA).
Commissioners also held a public hearing on a request by Reverend Nathan Morgan for a conditional use permit to construct a parsonage on church property at 176 Mount Scenic Drive in Cleveland. No one spoke in opposition.
GEBCor
Wildfire at Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area
News November 7, 2016
CLEVELAND, Ga. – A wildfire that broke out Sunday in the Raven Cliffs Wilderness area and spread across at least 24 acres above Raven Cliff Falls Trail was 80 percent contained at last report.
Units from the White County and Cleveland Fire Department responded to the fire along with the U.S. Forest Service. A post on the USFS website said the fire was 80 percent contained by Sunday evening. There have been no updates since then.
According to the website, a quick inter-agency response from hotshot crews from California and a helicopter aided in the containment of the fire.
Raven Cliffs Trail is just off Richard Russell Scenic Highway east of the Appalachian Trail.
Fetchyournews.com will have more details as they become available.
Chimney Fire Prevention; Have You Been Taking Your Chimney for Granted?
Announcements October 27, 2016
White County Public Safety News Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2016
Most of us do take our chimney for granted. Like an old favorite, we know it’s there, it never breaks, and it never lets us down, always reliable….. But is it?
A chimney is an important piece of home safety. A chimney vents products of combustion (smoke and carbon monoxide) from your home and it allows you to heat your home (wood, pellet or coal stoves, fireplaces, non-direct vent gas and oil systems all use a chimney). Don’t take your chimney for granted, schedule a yearly inspection and cleaning of your chimney with a professional chimney sweep today!
What is a chimney fire?
Chimney fires begin in your chimney and are fueled by excess creosote, or soot. Creosote is a product of incomplete combustion, it can take many forms; a sooty powder, a hard black glaze, a black tar-like substance or the appearance of burnt marshmallows. Creosote lines the chimney’s walls, this enables the heat venting in the chimney to ignite the creosote.
How do I know if I have a chimney fire?
If you think you may have a chimney fire, leave your home and call 9-1-1.
These are some signs that may indicate a chimney fire. This is not a complete list.
- Hearing a “roar” in the chimney.
- Creosote chips and debris found on the ground or roof near the chimney.
- Smoke or soot in an attic.
- Smoke escaping from cracks in the chimney.
- Flames at the top of your chimney.
- Discolored chimney cap or visible cracks in the chimney or missing mortar.
Since the fire is contained in the chimney – it’s safe to let it burn the creosote out, right?
NO. A chimney fire is not a safe way to clean a chimney.
Chimney fires only start in the chimney. Depending on the condition of your chimney the fire can spread through your home through cracks in the chimney’s missing or loose mortar, it can also bend metal chimney liners and create cracks. A chimney fire is super-heated; the fire can spread through your house through radiant heat. It can easily spread to your rooftop – or your neighbor’s house!
How can I prevent chimney fires in my home?
- Yearly chimney maintenance. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep each year.
A yearly inspection and cleaning aid in chimney safety because they will:- find blockages in your chimney that could result in poor venting, carbon monoxide poisoning or a chimney fire.
- remove creosote built up from last season.
- find cracks, loose or missing mortar.
- Burn well-seasoned hardwoods. Green wood builds up creosote faster.
- Install a chimney cap to prevent things from falling into your chimney and reducing ventilation.
Safety First!
When removing ashes from your home make sure
- The ashes have thoroughly cooled.
- You are disposing them in a sealed metal container.
- You always store the ashes in a sealed metal container away from your home and all combustibles. Don’t store the container on your wood deck.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the fire department during regular business hours.
Be safe!
Article submitted by: Ana R. Newberry, Firefighter White County Fire 1241 Helen Hwy, Ste 140 Cleveland, GA