Fatal House Fire in Chattooga County Claims One Life

CHATTOOGA COUNTY, GA – On the morning of November 18, 2025, a structure fire at 4 Maryland Drive in Summerville tragically resulted in the death of an adult female.

According to the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office, notification of the fire came through E-911 at 10:17 a.m. from a neighbor reporting the blaze and possible entrapment. Fire units from Summerville, Trion, and Hays CI Fire Departments arrived within minutes and conducted an aggressive search for the victim while battling the fire.

Firefighters located the woman and created an opening in the side of the structure to extricate her. Despite their efforts and rapid treatment by Atrium Floyd EMS, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Coroner Jeremy McElhaney at 10:48 a.m.

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department Chaplain Joel Smith and Chattooga County EMA responded to support the family during the tragic incident.

The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office has been called to investigate the fire’s origin, though foul play is not currently suspected. The victim’s remains will be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.

This incident marks the fourth fire-related fatality in Chattooga County in 2025. Coroner McElhaney urged residents to exercise caution during the winter months when using portable heaters, fireplaces, and other heating devices to prevent similar tragedies.