(Helen)- A Sunday afternoon fire in White County destroyed three campers in the Chimney Mountain area.

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said fire units responded to 144 May Apple Drive off Chimney Mountain Road Sunday at approximately 3:15 PM.   Firefighters arrived on scene in this remote area to find a ½ acre woods fire, with three campers sharing a common roof fully involved.  Firefighters from Station 7, Station 3, and mutual aid from Helen Fire responded to the incident. 

Murphy said the campers were a total loss.

According to Murphy the reporting party had been burning leaves and was following all outdoor burning guidelines.  It is suspected an ember from the leaf pile was blown near the campers and caused the fire. 

Murphy said, due to the remote area, it took firefighters longer than normal to reach the fire.  A temporary pond was created by firefighters in a nearby stream to draw water from to assist in firefighting efforts.

Murphy said Georgia Forestry and State Fire Marshall’s office were called to assist.  No injuries were reported.