State and local fire officials are investigating the cause of an afternoon blaze that destroyed a Demorest residence. The fire broke out around 1:15 p.m. at 141 Timberwood Trail SW in the Falling Waters subdivision off Cannon Bridge Road.
The fire appears to have started “on the front area of the house near a restroom,” says Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is working with local officials to determine what caused it.
The house was owned by John Cantwell. Family members were at home when the fire broke out. Cantwell’s daughter managed to grab one of their dogs and escape to safety. The fire killed a family cat. Another cat and dog are missing, Black says.
Demorest and Habersham County firefighters responded to the scene. They spent several hours extinguishing the flames and putting out hotspots.
The house was a total loss.
