Banks County firefighters had a busy holiday weekend, responding to fires that broke out inside two Commerce locations over a four day period.
The first fire apparently broke out just after midnight on New Years Day inside a 3,000-square-feet detached garage on Lord Road.
Crews arriving on scene found the building fully involved with fire, and a nearby residence at risk as a result of the exposure to the flames.
"The exposure Fire was quickly cooled and protected from the other structure that was burning," explained Chief Steve Nichols with the Banks County Department of Fire and Emergency Services. "The main Fire was attacked in a defensive operation and extinguished."
Nichols said that while the residence received only minor damage, the garage was declared a total loss.
The fire is thought to have been accidental in nature, but an investigation is underway to fully determine the cause of the fire.
Nichols said no injuries were reported.
Three days later, a Tuesday afternoon fire would once again require the assistance of Banks County firefighters.
Nichols said the fire was reported shortly before 2 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Frontage Road, and was contained to a single room within the four-story hotel.
"The facility was quickly cleared of all hazards and the facility was allowed to place the Hotel above the first floor back in operation," Nichols said. "No injuries were reported and the entire building was evacuated with the assistance of the Banks County Sheriff’s Office."
Some smoke and water damage was also reported throughout the first floor of the building.
Nichols said the fire was listed as accidental in nature, and that it possibly resulted from combustible materials being placed near a lit candle.
