High winds complicated firefighters’ efforts to stop the spread of a house fire that threatened nearby homes and woods in Sautee. It took firefighters from three departments and the Georgia Forestry Commission more than six hours on Wednesday to get the fire under control.
White County 911 dispatched firefighters to the residential blaze near the 300 block of Starlight Drive just before 3 p.m. on February 22. Within minutes, officials say White County and Helen firefighters arrived on the scene and found the home fully involved.
The house was unoccupied at the time, says Bryce Barrett, public information officer for White County Public Safety.
“Due to high winds, the blaze had started to spread through wooded areas endangering three other homes, one of which presented with minor damage as a result of the fire,” Barrett says.
White County EMA deployed a drone to survey the fire and monitor hotspots with its thermal imaging.
Additional firefighters were positioned at the other houses to control the fire’s spread and prevent further damage.
The Habersham County Fire Department provided mutual aid with a water tender.
Georgia Forestry crews contained the woods fire, which covered approximately six acres.
The White County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) responded with their Rehab Unit to help keep firefighters fed and hydrated. Fire units remained on scene with Georgia Forestry personnel until 9:30pm.
No injuries were reported.
The White County Fire Department and Georgia Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire.
