Fire destroys N. Hall house

GAINESVILLE - Hall County firefighters have been on the scene of a house fire in North Hall for more than three hours.

"They're still on the scene this morning mopping up hot spots," Fire Chief David Kimbrell said. "An investigator has been on the scene and will continue their investigation after daylight."

Kimbrell said no one was home when the fire started around 4:30 a.m. at the assisted living home with a for sale sign posted in the 5600 block of Old Wilkie Road, off of Price Road near the Dawson County line.

A neighbor from across the street reported the fire to authorities.

"When we arrived we found an approximate 3,000-square-foot home that was fully involved," Kimbrell said. "Firefighters did a very quick (interior) search and didn't find anyone, so then we went into a defensive mode because of the volume of fire and unknown conditions."

The owner or occupant of the home has not yet been identified or located. Kimbrell said at this point the home appears to be a total loss, with damages placed around $250,000.