At 12:40 p.m. on January 28, Gilmer County Fire Rescue responded to a report of smoke coming from a residence on 25th Street in the Coosawatee River Resort. The first unit on the scene arrived in eight minutes and reported considerable smoke and fire.

Engine 1 supplied a water supply from a nearby hydrant as workers set up attack lines and started suppression operations. Firefighters made a search and established that the occupant was not present at the time of the event. The fire was brought under control without causing any harm to bystanders or responders. According to officials, six pets were lost in the incident. The cause of the occurrence is still under investigation.