Woman, son escape unharmed from burning home

GAINESVILLE - A woman and her son, alerted by smoke alarms, escaped unharmed from their burning home on the north side of Gainesville early Thursday.

The call came in about 3:30 a.m. When firemen arrived, they reported that flames were coming from the basement and they later reported that it had spread to the upper level.

Jerry Smith, division chief for the Hall County Fire Department, said the house at 1893 Norton Drive was about 50 percent involved "with heavy smoke and flames."

Smith said the house was destroyed, with damage put at around $175,000. Gainesville firefighters also responded as part of the mutual aid agreement between the two departments.