CLEVELAND — A White County home was heavily damaged by fire about 2 p.m. Friday.
The fire at 2988 Lothridge Road was reported to 9-1-1 dispatch by a passing motorist.
Firefighters from several White County stations, Cleveland Fire Department, and Lee Arrendale State Prison Fire Department responded.
White County Fire Chief Norman Alexander said initial reports were that someone was inside the burning home, but primary and secondary searches found no one.
The fire is believed to have started at the rear of the house, which received extensive damage.
Alexander called the cause "uncertain," saying, "we’ve got an investigator coming that will look at it and tell us how, where it started."
Due to high winds, the fire spread to a large area next to the house. Georgia Forestry assisted in keeping the fire contained.
