Residential Fire Claims One Life in White County

At 5:52 PM on January 18, 2025, White County 911 Communications received reports of a residential fire near Tom Bell Road and McGee Drive. White County Fire Services, with automatic aid from the Cleveland Fire Department and Helen Fire Department, responded alongside the White County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, first responders found a modular home fully engulfed in flames. Reports indicated a person was possibly trapped inside the home. Fire crews launched an aggressive search while additional units worked to suppress the fire and support the rescue efforts.

The trapped individual was located inside the home but had succumbed to their injuries. The deceased’s next of kin has been notified.

Fire personnel remained on-site throughout the evening to address hot spots and prevent the fire from reigniting. Mutual aid from Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute provided additional manpower, and White County Emergency Management’s Community Emergency Response Team deployed its Rehabilitation Unit to assist firefighters with recovery. A drone unit (UAS1) was also deployed to provide aerial monitoring of the scene.

The White County Coroner’s Office responded to transport the deceased, and investigators from the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. The investigation remains ongoing. Further inquiries should be directed to the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office.