Greystone Building fire appears to be accidental
News September 29, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner investigators are looking into the evening fire at the Greystone Building off Hwy. 515.
UPDATE September 29: As of 12:30 p.m., the Union County GOP announced that the fire appeared to be accidental. The group’s headquarters was inside the Greystone Building.
The fire began sometime before 9 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2020. The Union County Fire Department (UCFD) worked quickly to extinguish the flames, but the building suffered substantial damage.
Located between Bank OZK and Burger King, the Greystone Building houses the Union County GOP Headquarters, Affordable Hearing Aid Solutions, and a chiropractor’s office.
Ninth District GOP Chairperson Rebecca Yardley released the following statement:
“We are saddened to report that last evening the Union County GOP headquarters in Blairsville was destroyed by fire. The fire appears to be accidental in nature and no foul play is suspected. We are grateful that no one was injured and are thankful for all those individuals who helped to extinguish the fire quickly. Special thanks to the Union County Fire Department and Fire Chief David Dyer for their professionalism and for exemplifying their motto of “Our Family Protecting Your Family.” Their swift actions last evening helped not only the Union County GOP but the other two businesses that were also affected. We also want to say thank you to the many volunteers, Union County GOP Executive Board and Chairman Dena Gooch, who have helped to salvage items and ensure that the work of the Party moves forward during these last critical 34 days as we work to re-elect President Trump.”
The local GOP posted the following on their Facebook page:
“So sorry to report that our Headquarters was severely damaged by fire tonight. We hope to retrieve some of our items tomorrow. But we will be looking for another location. Please let us know if you know of a place. AND thanks to all the Union County firefighters who were able to extinguish the fire quickly.”
The group had just moved into the building in August to prepare for the upcoming general election.
Fetch Your News will update this story as soon as more information becomes available.
Feature image courtesy of Union County GOP.
Pet store catches fire, everyone marked safe
News July 1, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Everyone safely escaped from a midday fire on Tuesday, June 29, at Pet City USA on the Blue Ridge Hwy.
The blaze broke out around 2 p.m. after the people inside noticed a flickering light and smoke coming from the ceiling soon after.
Approximately 15 firefighters responded to the call and worked quickly to put it out. A ladder truck sprayed water down on the ceiling of the commercial structure, and at least, engine one was on hand to assist with ground support.
In this photo, crews used to hoses extinguish the fire from the ground.
As of now, the Union County Fire Department (UCFD) hasn’t determined the exact cause of the fire.
Due to the direction of the wind, firefighters combatted with excessive smoke blowing down on them. An estimated 50 to 80 percent of fire deaths result from smoke inhalation. It can cause asphyxiation, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and nausea. Signs of smoke inhalation include cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness, headache, and acute mental status changes.
Pet City USA housed all times of animals from lizards to hamsters. The store had reopened from the COVID-19 economic shutdown. While all people made it out of the building, it’s unclear if all the animals inside escaped the fire.
Fetch Your News will update this article as more details become available. Images are courtesy of UCFD.
Firefighters enter the building.
Byers Well Drilling fire resulted in “extensive damage”
News, UCFD February 10, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – While many were snowed in on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, Union County Fire Department (UCFD) worked to save Byers Well Drilling, which caught fire that afternoon.
UCFD received the call about the fire around 2:20 p.m. All of Station One responded, along with fire fighters from every station in the county. Six trucks were on the scene and tankers two, three, and four provided water support.
The inside of Byers Well Drilling building received “extensive damage,” but the frame of the structure is still in tact.
Firefighters battled the blaze for three to four hours before the fire was finally extinguished. No one was injured in the shop or while working to stop the fire.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and UCFD is still looking into it.
Feature image provided by Jeff Bond. Fetch Your News will update this story as more information becomes available.
Union County renews StormReady certification
Education January 22, 2020
UNION COUNTY. GA – Union County Fire Department and EMA (UCFD) discussed the importance of being informed and prepared for severe weather, especially after the Jan. 11 storm, and its StormReady Certification.
A significant amount of the Emergency Management’s time is spent preparing for, responding to, or recovering from a severe weather event. Preparing for severe weather is not only an Emergency Management responsibility but a community’s responsibility. The National Weather Service recognizes a community’s effort to be prepared for severe weather with its StormReady® program.
Union County has been a StormReady® Community for over 18 years. According to the National Weather Service, “Some 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. The StormReady program helps arm America’s communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property–before, during and after the event.”
StormReady® Communities must complete the requirements set forth by the National Weather service, which include: establishing a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center; having more than one way to receive severe weather warnings/forecasts and to alert the public; creating a system that monitors weather conditions locally; promoting the importance of public readiness through community seminars; and developing a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
Union County met all these requirements and have recently renewed their classification. UCFD must renew it every three years. The renewal process involved evaluating department readiness and conducting training to prepare the community. UCFD hosted a SkyWarn Storm spotter class last November in order to train more storm spotters. Officials hope that by training citizens and increasing public safety awareness, they can possibly reduce damage and save lives.
Union County Fire Department Releases 2019 Calls and Activities Numbers
Community, Education January 14, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Fire Department and EMA (UCFD) released their calls and activities for 2019.
In 2019, the department responded to 2,441 calls for service with 276 were in the City of Blairsville. There was an increase of 170 responses from 2018. The breakdown of the calls by type hasn’t changed a lot and represents typical department’s responses.
Of the 2,441 calls, 56 percent were medical, where the fire department responded from Station 1 to assist the Union General Ambulance Service on major medical calls. This number doesn’t account for the numerous First Responder calls that were ran by the volunteer firefighters who also assisted the ambulance service.
The remaining 44 percent consisted of fires, rescues, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials responses, searches, and other activities of the department. Fires and alarms accounted for approximately 9 percent of the calls, which included all types of fires ranging from a trash can fire to a structure fire. Additionally, UCFD responded to seven structure fires in the last month.
Rescues of all types accounted for approximately 11 percent including motor vehicle accidents. Hazardous materials accounted for 4 percent, and approximately 8 percent of calls were cancelled in route. The remaining 12 percent were miscellaneous calls and service calls which includes smoke alarm installs and public education.
Smoke alarm installations have been a great success for the department and the citizens of Union County. The department visited 182 homes to assess smoke alarms. These assessments involved determining if there are working smoke alarms, installed properly, and working correctly. Homes that were in need of smoke alarms received new alarms and are installed by the firefighters. The department installed 310 smoke alarms and 98 carbon monoxide alarms in Union County homes during 2019.
UCFD also dedicated itself to public education from car seat installation to CPR classes to general fire safety. The public education program provided education and information to approximately 3,700 children and 1,600 adults during 2019. Many of these classes were conducted in our school system and at festivals.
UCFD educating the public in CERT during 2019.
Fire Chief David Dyer concluded with, “We are very fortunate to have the dedicated men and women, both career and volunteer, who make emergency response and fire safety their mission.”
Photos courtesy of UCFD Facebook Page.
Union Fire Department releases 2019 training achievements
Announcements, Community January 6, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Fire Department and Emergency Management released a review of its dedication to training and associated achievements in 2019.
Firefighters, career and volunteer, completed over 10,000 hours of training during the year. That averages over 100 hours for each firefighter. January started with a Support Firefighter class. This class is the entry level class for the department and consists of 60 hours of training. They also completed a second support firefighter class in November adding several new members.
During some heavy rains in Feb., the Union County Swiftwater Rescue team used the rising water as a training opportunity. Swimmers donned their swift water gear and simulated water rescues in the Nottely River. Each rescue involved swimming in the rough and rapid current to a simulated victim and catching a rope to pull the victim in. These firefighters, made up of career and volunteers, are well trained and dedicated.
In March, firefighters were involved in training on Ladder 1. Firefighters and officers of several metro departments instructed a class on how to operate and maintain the ladder apparatus. Firefighters were also instructed in various ladder operations in order to use the apparatus and equipment to its potential. Ladder 1 has responded to several fires and was used on the dry cleaner fire.
Throughout the year, the training facility was utilized to complete basic, advanced, and live-fire training. The department conducted several live-fire training classes. These classes involved firefighters entering the burn building and attacking a fire in a controlled environment. It is an opportunity for firefighters to learn how smoke and fire react in a building. They also experience the heat and low visibility conditions associated with a fire.
The training facility was also used to conduct multi-company training. The multi-company training involves all firefighters and all stations training together. This training allows firefighters to get to know each other and to learn how to work together as they do on an actual fire. Multi-company training in 2019 included subjects such as water supply, rescue, firefighter survival, and auto extrication.
This is just a basic review of the many hours of training conducted by the Union County Fire Department. Training hours help to reduce the ISO rating but more important, it keeps everyone trained and ready to respond to any emergency.
Photo courtesy of Union County Fire Department and EMA Facebook page.
Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer
Press Release December 11, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Fire Department (UCFD) released measures the public can take to protect themselves and their families against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “Invisible Killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that can only be detected by a CO monitor. The CO monitor can be a lifesaving alarm as well. UCFD would like to provide some information on CO and encourage people to install CO monitors in their homes.
The gas is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels including wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. According to the CDC, CO “is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.” CO can be very dangerous and can affect everyone in the home or building.
There are several tips to prevent CO poisoning. People should have their heating system, water heater, and any other gas appliances inspected or serviced by a qualified technician. Chimneys should be inspected and/or cleaned every year. People should never use outdoor appliances such as charcoal grills, portable gas camp stoves, or generators inside the home, basement, or garage.
The best practice is to have a CO monitor in your home to detect the CO levels before levels rise affecting the health of the occupants. People exposed to CO will start to present with certain signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms begin with: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. Higher levels of CO or prolonged exposure produce signs and symptoms of mental confusion, vomiting, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness. If not treated, CO poisoning can lead to death. A tale-tale sign is that more than one person in the home may have the same signs and symptoms.
If you suspect CO, evacuate the home or building to an area of fresh air. Call 911 and have the fire department check the home for CO levels. Working CO monitors work best to detect dangerous CO levels before signs and symptoms develop. UCFD recommends that anyone who has heating units or other equipment that may produce CO gas to purchase a CO monitor for their home or building.
Early morning fire engulfs Spry Family Dry Cleaners
News November 21, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Union County Fire Department (UCFD) responded to an early morning fire at Spry Family Dry Cleaners on 46 Hunt Martin Street.
The call came in around 2:03 a.m. and firefighters continued to battle the blaze until 5:30 a.m. The commercial building continues to smoke and smolder, and UCFD is continually checking on it throughout today.
One unit inside the building was fully engulfed in flames and the roof had collapsed. The second unit suffered heavy fire damage.
Engine 1, Ladder 1, Engine 2, and Tanker 4 all responded to the early morning fire at Harbin Dry Cleaners.
No one was injured during the fire. UCFD is actively investigating the reason for the fire.
At this time, UCFD Fire Chief David Dyer says it’s too early to know the cause of the fire. However, it’s unlikely to be related to the Nantahala Village Apartment arson from Nov. 7. If anyone has information about the apartment arson, please contact authorities.
Members of the community have started a Go-Fund-Me to help the Spry family with repairs and rebuilding the dry cleaners.
Please stay with Fetch Your News as we continue to develop this story.
Photos courtesy of UCFD Facebook page.
The building continues to smoke this morning.
Ladder truck 1 responded to put out the flames.
Shot of blaze that started around 2 a.m. on Nov. 21, 2019.
UCFD Looking for Volunteer and Structural Firefighters
Announcements, Press Release October 21, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Fire Department (UCFD) is searching for more volunteer firefighters to join their ranks.
Currently, both career and volunteer firefighters make up the UCFD. However, volunteers make up the majority of the department. They have a motivated and dedicated volunteer force that is well trained, but UCFD is always in need of more volunteers.
Several of UCFD’s current volunteers have become increasingly busy and unable to dedicate as much time to volunteering and responding as in the past. The call for new volunteers will assist in lessening the response time to fires and other emergencies
Many have found working in the fire service to be rewarding. UCFD is looking for people that have “firefighter” traits aka knowledge seekers, problem solvers, and helpers. These individuals want to learn new lifesaving skills and be part of the adventure that is the fire service.
Most people see joining the fire department as a volunteer job where they must run into a burning building. Some firefighters do enter burning structures, but there are many jobs in the volunteer fire department that do not involve going into a burning building. There are support roles such as pumping fire apparatus, supporting fire operations, wildland firefighting, search and rescue, and many more. These are essential jobs that must be performed for us to be successful.
Additional UCFD is in need of structural firefighters or people willing to complete the training on interior structure firefighting. It is mentally and physically challenging, but it can be the most thrilling and rewarding experience.
Contact the headquarters station at 706-439-6091 for information on applications or visit the headquarters station at 507 Shoe Factory Rd. Interested people may complete the application, and if accepted, start fire training in November.
Eight Union County Volunteer Firefighters complete FAO training class; certified to drive and operate fire apparatus
News April 24, 2017
The Union County Fire Department (UCFD) certified eight volunteer firefighters on Sunday, April 23, 2017 to drive and operate Union County Fire Apparatus (fire trucks).
Now which one of these levers do I pull???
Tanker drawing water from static water source, pumping to an engine in a relay simulation.
FF/AEMT Steve Tanner instructing volunteers on pump operations.
George Holland, Ken Moss, Ricky Dyer, Matt McGough, Steve Rouse, Steve Fortunado, Mark Smith and Cody King spent two entire weekends, first learning to drive the apparatus, then learning to operate the pumps and equipment on the apparatus to get water on a fire. Now there are eight more people in Union County who can drive fire apparatus to an emergency scene and operate the systems and equipment on the fire apparatus. This is huge for residents of this mountainous, rural county in N. Georgia, where, as in other surrounding counties, good men and women who care about their communities enough to endure the rigorous training necessary to be a firefighter are hard to find.