Cherokee Firefighters Battle Two Fires, One Started By Homeowner

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services responded to two structure fires this weekend.

The first structure fire was reported at 3 p.m. on Saturday at 1500 Rampley Trail, located off Sam Nelson Road. Firefighters arrived to find a single-wide mobile home on fire. All the occupants of the home were able to get out without injury, except for a dog that was found inside the structure. The mobile home was completely destroyed by the fire. Cherokee County Fire Investigator Cheri Collett said the fire is still under investigation.

At 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Cherokee County firefighters responded to another structure fire at 2881 Emerald Lane, located off Priest Road, in southwestern Cherokee County. According to Cherokee County 911, the call was dispatched as a male shooting a firearm inside the house. Once sheriff's deputies arrived, they could see smoke coming from the house, so firefighters were requested.

Firefighters arrived to find a heavy fire in the two-story home, with flames coming from the second story.

Firefighters were able to get control of the fire within minutes. The fire caused considerable damage to the second story, with one of the bedrooms completely gutted. The other parts of the home also received some significant damage as well.

Cherokee County Fire Investigator Ashley Pope said that he spoke with the homeowner who admitted that he started the fire. The investigation on this fire is ongoing.