Multiple Departments respond to Woods Fire outside Demorest

Dry conditions persist across North Georgia, despite light rain over the weekend. Habersham County E-911 Dispatch received a call at 9:19am Wednesday, Nov. 15, reporting a fire in the woods next to a large, dry field on Smith Loop Road. Habersham County Emergency Services Engine 12, Engine 13, Med 12, Battalion 1, Captain 1, and PIO responded, along with Demorest Engine 5 and Rescue 5, Cornelia Engine 22 and Brush 22, the Lee Arrendale State Prison Station 24 Fire Team, and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office responded. An approximately 100-by-100-foot area was burning when units arrived, with endangerment to one structure and one vehicle. Engine 12 was able to access the back of the fire, while hand crews with rakes and Cornelia Brush 22 were able to flank the wood line. The fire was quickly contained, then brought under control and extinguished. There were no injuries and no damage to structures or vehicles. The fire was located between Ed Tench Road and Can-Trail Drive. Command on scene was terminated at 10:23am. The cause of the fire is undetermined but believed to be accidental. Habersham County is not under a burn ban at this time. “Habersham County fire officials are keeping an eye on the current conditions as well as the forecast in the near future,” said Habersham County Emergency Services Operations Chief Jason Davey. “Emergency Services has the ability to control permits that the county issues and officials have been and will continue to be in contact with Georgia Forestry as we continue to monitor these conditions.”