ELLIJAY, GA — January 30th —At at 11:52 p.m., Gilmer County Fire Rescue responded to a reported home structure fire in East Ellijay, with Engine 15 from the City of Ellijay providing mutual aid. Within nine minutes, the first unit arrived on the scene and reported that the home was completely destroyed.

Firefighters set up assault lines and began suppression operations while creating a water shuttle owing to a lack of nearby hydrants. Crews labored to ensure a steady flow of water while operations continued. One occupant was inside the residence at the time of the fire but was able to escape safely with two of three dogs. Firefighters rescued the third dog from a second-story deck at the rear of the home. Crews worked in chilly weather overnight until around 3:30 a.m. There were no injuries recorded. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.