Blown Trailer Tire sparks Fires on Ga. 105 outside Demorest

Firefighters from Habersham County and Demorest fought a half-dozen fires on the side of Georgia Highway 105 (Cannon Bridge Road) Tuesday night.  Habersham County E-911 dispatched emergency personnel at 6:18pm to the area of Fairview Elementary School, where at least six fires were found along the shoulder of the road from the school to the bridge.  For the safety of firefighters and motorists, personnel from the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office closed Ga. 105 in both directions for about 30 minutes.  Habersham County Emergency Services Battalion Chief Dwight McNally said an equipment trailer transporting a mini excavator blew a tire and before the driver of the truck could find a place to pull off, sparks set the grass on fire.  No injuries were reported.  Habersham County Emergency Services Engine 12, Med 12, Brush 13, Battalion 1, Captain 1, and PIO responded, along with Demorest Fire Department Engine 5 and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.  Firefighters returned to the area at 7:55pm, where some small hot spots were located and extinguished.