CORNELIA, Ga. — Cornelia firefighters fought through cold, blustery winds Monday night to contain a blaze that broke out in a home on the west side of town.
According to Cornelia Fire Chief Billy Joe Jenkins, crews were dispatched to 149 Slayton Street around 7:45 p.m. on November 10 after reports of a residential structure fire. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and visible flames coming from a single-family home.
Firefighters searched the residence to ensure everyone had made it out safely, then worked quickly to bring the fire under control.
Chimney fire
Jenkins said the fire began near the chimney of a fireplace the family was using to keep warm. “And once we were able to knock it down, we actually went on top of the roof and were able to cut a hole in the roof so we could make sure that we had all the fire out,” he said.
No one was injured in the blaze. Chief Jenkins confirmed that all occupants made it out safely before firefighters arrived. The fire and smoke were confined to the attic, causing moderate damage to the home. The fire forced the family out of their home, at least overnight. Jenkins said they have friends and family they can stay with.
Mutual aid
Approximately 30 firefighters responded to the call, including crews from Baldwin, Demorest, and Habersham County Emergency Services. “Lee Arrendale (State Prison Fire Department) was on their way, but we ended up cancelling them because we had the fire knocked down before they got here,” Jenkins said.
The Chief Jennkins thanked the assisting agencies for their “rapid response and teamwork.”
“When all these departments show up, we kind of help each other and look out for each other and make sure everybody goes home.” He said it was fortunate that the family was still awake and detected the fire. “Luckily, they did not, you know, lay down for the night. If that would have happened, we would have probably had a different outcome.”
