Two brush fires broke out in White County on Tuesday, March 25, prompting swift responses from multiple fire agencies to prevent damage to residential structures and contain the blazes.
Both fires were successfully contained without structural damage, according to White County Public Safety spokesperson Bryce Barrett.
Controlled burn escapes containment near Highway 75 Alternate
Just after 11:30 a.m., according to officials, White County Fire Services responded to a controlled burn that had spread beyond its perimeter near Highway 75 Alternate and Chestatee Drive. Strong winds in the mountainous terrain quickly exacerbated the situation, prompting a call for additional support from Georgia Forestry and the Helen Fire Department.
Fire crews focused on protecting nearby homes while working to contain the spread. Georgia Forestry personnel joined the effort upon arrival, and after coordinated action, the fire was contained, affecting around six acres of wooded land. No structures were reported damaged.
The county deployed UAS1, a drone equipped with thermal imaging technology, allowing firefighters to monitor the fire’s progression from the air. The White County Emergency Management’s CERT Rehabilitation Unit also provided essential support for firefighter recovery efforts.
Second brush fire extinguished
Later in the afternoon, at 3:22 p.m., White County 911 Communications received reports of a brush fire threatening structures near Highway 75 South and Grand View Drive in Cleveland. Fire crews from White County and Cleveland Fire Department responded immediately, with Georgia Forestry once again called in to assist due to the challenging terrain.
Additional firefighting units were deployed to safeguard nearby homes, while UAS1 provided aerial thermal imagery to improve coordination and containment efforts. The CERT Rehabilitation Unit was also on hand to support firefighter recovery.
White County safety officials issued an outdoor burn ban on Tuesday, March 25, and continue to urge residents not to burn objects outside amid dry conditions.
