4-18-16
(Cleveland)- A weekend wildfire in the U.S. Forest Service area north of Helen and a brush fire north of Cleveland kept White County firefighters busy over the weekend. David Murphy, White County Public Safety Director said, approximately six Helen city and county personnel assisted US Forest Service personnel in the Saturday afternoon wildfire. In addition the county sent personnel into the City of Helen to standby for other potential incidents.
Murphy said, 911 received a report of brush/woods fire at 398 Adair Mill Road, during the lunch hour on Sunday. County Fire Station six was dispatched to the scene. The fire, that burned approximately 5 acres, endangered several structures in the area. Firefighters from Station 6 requested Georgia Forestry, and other fire units to respond to assist.
The fire north of Helen was caused by human origin. Murphy advised the cause of the Adair Mill fire has not been determined at this time. Dry conditions, wind and low humidity played a significant role in these incidents.
Murphy said, White County had already scheduled a table top exercise Monday in conjunction with US Forestry and Georgia Forestry Commission in anticipation of a full scale exercise in May. According to Murphy, the incidents over the weekend, further establish the need for joint exercises with these agencies.
