Officials Seek Cause of Scaly Mountain Fire

Fire investigators say a Thursday evening house fire in the Scaly Mountain community started near a gas grill next to the home.

The incident occurred at 390 Raven Ridge Road at approximately 6:51 p.m. Firemen from Scaly/Sky Valley, Highlands, Franklin, and Dillard, GA were dispatched to the fire that caused extensive damage to the part-time residence owned by an Alabama couple.

Macon County Fire Investigator Farrell Jamison said the one side of the two-story home sustained extensive damage as the fire broke out on the deck and then scorched the living room, kitchen, and upstairs/loft area. He is unsure if the home is salvageable at this time.

Jamison suspects the fire began at the gas grill which was piped into a LP gas tank. While it hasn’t been confirmed, he said a lightning strike may have sparked the fire. A nearby resident told Jamison that the area was hit by a heavy lightning storm two days prior to the fire.

Jamison said fires can start after lightning strike runs in through copper gas piping to a home.

The incident remains under investigation.