The Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office says an early morning fire that displaced nine people and destroyed two mobile homes Wednesday was accidental. Fire investigators determined the fire was caused by embers from a fire pit used hours earlier.
Hall County Fire Rescue (HCFR) responded to the blaze in the 5700 block of Willow Way in Buford shortly after midnight on March 19.
According to an HCFR spokesperson, crews arrived to find the flames had already spread from the first mobile home to a second. Firefighters began an exterior attack on one residence while additional units battled the blaze at the second.
“HCFR personnel worked quickly to deploy hose lines, extinguish the flames and prevent any further extension to the surrounding mobile homes,” says HCFR Public Information Officer Kimberlie Ledsinger.
The fire destroyed two mobile homes and caused exterior damage to two others. The fire also damaged several vehicles.
All the residents got out safely before firefighters arrived. The American Red Cross was called to assist the displaced residents.
In light of Wednesday’s fire, Ledsinger reminds the public to obey local burn regulations when conducting outdoor burning. In Hall County, this includes maintaining a nearby water source and fully extinguishing the flames and embers before leaving the area. Also, she says, “Ensure you keep the burn pit a safe distance from structures or wood lines and never leave it unattended.”
