Fire Chief David Kimbrell said the call in the 3200 block of LaPrad Circle came around 6:30 p.m. A observant neighbor made the initial call, according to Kimbrell.
"The home was an occupied home, and we believe at the time of the fire the occupants possibly were at work," Kimbrell said.
The raging blaze spewed smoke, visible as far away as the downtown Gainesville area.
A portion of the roof on the 2500 square foot house collapsed, but no one was injured. Kimbrell said that collapse resulted in extended on-scene time for firefighters doing overhaul.
"Which is basically putting out the hot spots and seeing if there's anything that can be salvaged," Kimbrell said.
He said there was a language barrier with the interviews Monday night. Investigators hoped to gain more answers Tuesday. For now, the cause is undetermined.
"It is a little bit suspicious because we've not been able to identify a cause, but the fire investigator will continue that investigation," Kimbrell said.
Smoke from a Gillsville house fire as seen from the Hall County Fire Training facility (Photo/HCFD)
Fire engulfs a house in Gillsville Monday evening. (Photo/Johnny Campbell)
Firefighters battle a blaze on LaPrad Circle off Gillsville Highway. (Photo/Johnny Campbell)
Hall County firefighters work to extinguish a fire on LaPrade Circle off Gillsville Highway Monday night. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Smoke continues to pour from a house on LaPrad Circle Monday night. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Hall County firefighters make their way out of a house on LaPrad Circle Monday night. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Hall County firefighters catch their breath after battling a fire at a home on LaPrad Circle off Gillsville Highway Monday night. (Photo/Rob Moore)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/9/253309