A fire in White County Wednesday burnt an unoccupied home before spreading into nearby woods and endangering several neighboring homes.
Crews with the White County and Helen Fire departments responded to a call shortly before 3:00 p.m. of a residential fire near the 300 block of Starlight Drive in Sautee. Upon arrival, responders were informed that no one was present in the home at the time of the fire, which was fully involved with flames.
Due to high winds, officials report the fire spread through the wooded area in close proximity to the home, endangering three other homes in the area. One of the homes was reportedly presented with minor damage. White County deployed an EMA UAS1 drone that surveyed the scene using thermal imaging to ensure all hotspots were extinguished.
Habersham County Fire units also responded to the call, acting in mutual aid with a water tender. Georgia Forestry was dispatched to help ensure the fire didn’t spread further into the woods. According to a release from White County officials, the woods fire covered approximately six acres.
Rehab units also responded to the call, providing refreshments and aid for those combatting the flames. Personnel remained on-scene with Georgia Forestry until 9:30 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation by White County Fire and the Georgia Fire Marshal’s Office.
