Just after lunch on Thursday, White County Fire Services with Mutual Aid from the City of Cleveland and City of Helen were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 4092 Helen Hwy just north of Tom Bell Road.
A passerby reported they were flagged down by a gentleman advising his outdoor burning had gotten out of control and was close to the residence.
Upon the arrival of the first unit, the fire had spread through the yard and brush next to the residence, however, the structure was not involved. The occupant of the home had to be evaluated by EMS due to underlying health conditions but refused transport after evaluation. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and the owner was given a verbal warning for burning without a permit.
“It is imperative that property owners call the Georgia Forestry Commission to obtain a permit for outdoor burning”, said David Murphy, Director of Public Safety. “Property owners who do not obtain permits can be held liable for damages caused by the fire getting out of control and be fined for illegal burning.”
“It is also important to monitor local weather conditions and be wise about burning during HIGH FIRE DANGER days. Without proper safety measures, fires can quickly get away and out of hand” Murphy said. Also, permits to burn are only allowed for natural vegetation. Construction materials and household garbage are NOT legal to burn in Georgia
