Monday March 18th, 2024 10:09PM

Habersham firefighters respond to two residential fires

Investigators will work next week to determine the cause of fires that damaged two Habersham County homes within 18 hours beginning Thursday night.

The first occurred at 11:12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, in the area of 700 Bethel Temple Road off Habersham Mills Road near Demorest, and was reported as a structure fire with possible entrapment, according to Battalion Chief Matt Ruark of Habersham County Fire Department.

Habersham County Fire Department Stations 13 and 16 responded and requested assistance from Clarkesville Fire Department and Lee Arrendale State Prison Fire Department.

“When units arrived on scene at 11:20 p.m., the found a structure that was fully engulfed by fire reaching into the nearby wood line and a propane cylinder,” Ruark said. “Once on scene, they were able to confirm that all occupants were out of the house and unharmed.”

Firefighters brought the fire under control at 11:33 p.m., and remained on scene until 1:59 a.m.

Once the fire was extinguished, the American Red Cross was called to assist the displaced homeowner with immediate needs.

No injuries were reported.

“At this time, no cause has been determined,” Ruark said. “Crews will be on scene next week to investigate.”

The second fire was reported just after 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, off Owens Circle behind the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy.

Habersham County Fire Departments Stations 12, 13, 14, Habersham Emergency Medical Services and Lee Arrendale State Prison Fire Department were dispatched to the area of Dollar General on South State Highway 197 regarding a structure fire.

While units were en route, they requested assistance from Demorest Fire Department.

“Units first arrived on scene at 4:20, slightly delayed due to the caller being unfamiliar with the area,” Ruark said.

The first arriving units found a 1,000-square-foot house with light smoke showing from the eaves.

“Not knowing if the house was occupied, due to it being handicapped accessible, upon the arrival of the Demorest Engine 5 crew, they conducted an immediate primary search that found no one was at home,” Ruark said.

“Once the search was completed at 4:26 p.m., crews conducted an interior attack and were able to isolate the fire to one room and the attic of the house and had the fire under control at 4:28 p.m.”

No injuries were reported.

After fire personnel were able to contact the homeowner, the American Red Cross was called to assist with immediate needs.

Units remained on scene of the fire, located at 200 Flower Hill Drive, until 5:30 p.m.

“No cause was initially determined, crews will be back on scene next week to investigate,” Ruark said.

  • Associated Categories: Homepage, Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: fire, Habersham County, house fire, Demorest, Clarkesville Fire Department, Habersham Emergency Medical Services, Mt. Airy, Habersham County Fire Department, Lee Arrendale State Prison Fire Department, Demorest Fire Department, Battalion Chief Matt Ruark
© Copyright 2024 AccessWDUN.com
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.