An ember from a burning leaf pile is suspected to have caused a destructive woods fire in White County over the weekend.
Around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, White County Fire Services responded to a report of a fire at 144 May Apple Drive off Chimney Mountain Road.
“Due to the remote area, it took firefighters longer than normal to make access to the area,” says White County Public Safety Director David Murphy.
When firefighters arrived, they found a half-acre of woods burning and three campers with an adjoined roof fully engulfed in flames. Helen firefighters provided mutual aid. Firefighters created a temporary pond in a nearby stream to draw water to help extinguish the fire.
“The reporting party had been burning leaves and was following all outdoor burning guidelines. It is suspected an ember from the leaf pile was blown near the campers and caused the fire,” says Murphy.
The fire destroyed all three campers.
The Georgia Forestry and State Fire Marshall’s office were called to assist. No injuries were reported.
