Two killed in house explosion near Lake Nottely
News May 2, 2021BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – A house explosion occurred this morning around 8 a.m. and killed two at a home on Pauline Lane. The exact cause is still under investigation and authorities are asking the public for help.
“We are asking that anyone in the area with video or audio footage of Sunday morning’s explosion in Blairsville to reach out to our office at 1-800-282-5804,” said Commissioner King. “Our investigators are working around the clock to determine the cause of this incident and any new audio or video could prove instrumental to these efforts.”
The Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner released the names of the deceased: Ralph Norris Wood, Jr., 78, and Peggy Wood, 77. They were home at the time of the tragic incident. The 1,594-square-foot structure was approximately 26 years old was completely destroyed in the blast.
“This unprecedented blast left several homes in the area damaged. Due to the severity of the explosion, it could be up to several weeks before the cause is determined,” Safety Fire Commissioner John King stated.
Statement from Union County Fire Department:
“At approximately 08:00 this a.m., Union County Fire, EMA, EMS, Sheriff’s Office, and GA State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to a home explosion off Pauline Ln. Pauline Ln is closed at this time. Home is totally destroyed, and other homes were damaged. Media inquiries shall be processed through State Fire Marshal’s PIO.”
People in the area have reported seeing debris falling, and those outside the area said they heard a loud boom. Pat Colwell Road’s a nine-minute from downtown Blairsville. Pauline Lane isn’t far from Hwy 129 and near Lake Nottely. It’s 24 minutes from Murphy, NC and some North Carolina residents even heard the explosion.
Press release from Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner:
Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that two people were killed in a Union County explosion on Sunday morning, May 2nd. The blast occurred at Pauline Lane in Blairsville. The 1,594-square-foot structure was approximately 26 years old and was entirely destroyed by the blast.
“Ralph Norris Wood, Jr., 78, and Peggy Wood, 77, were home at the time of the fire and tragically passed as a result,” said Commissioner King. “This unprecedented blast left several homes in the area damaged. Due to the severity of the explosion, it could be up to several weeks before the cause is determined.”
This explosion remains under active investigation at this time. Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Division assisted the Union County Fire Department, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the Union County Coroner. The victims’ bodies were transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab in Atlanta for autopsy.
This marks the 57th and 58th death from a Georgia fire in 2021.
April 11 to17 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
Community, Press Release April 14, 2021Union Fire/Rescue and EMA COVID-19 Response
Community, Press Release February 24, 2021Why your home needs its own fire extinguisher
Community, Press Release December 14, 2020Practice fire safety during the Christmas season
Community, Press Release December 4, 2020Greystone Building fire appears to be accidental
News September 29, 2020BLAIRSVILLE, 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.
UPDATE: Camper explosion injures four people, kills one
News September 22, 2020BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that a Union
County woman was killed and four others were injured in an accidental fire at the Rivers Edge RV Park around 1:00
p.m. on Tuesday, September 22.
The explosion involved a camper being used by an elderly couple as a permanent residence and was the result of a
disconnected propane gas line. The explosion occurred when the couple attempted to turn on the gas and ignite the
kitchen stove.
Union County Fire Department and EMA (UCFD/EMA) received the initial call at 12:45 p.m. of a camper explosion with people still inside the vehicle. UCFD/ EMA stations one, three, and four were on site to stop the fire.
Once they arrived, they saw the unit completely engulfed in flames and realized five people needed emergency care. Two of the injured were the couple inside the camper.
“Because of the explosion, the wife received burns on over 90 percent of her body, and the husband also received very severe burns,” said Commissioner King. “Both were airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, the wife died overnight.”
The other three in need of care were neighbors who attempted to rescue the couple. One of those neighbors
managed to pull the elderly woman from the fire. This primary rescuer was also airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital
while the other two neighbors received treatment at a local hospital.
“If it was not for the bravery of these neighbors, both the husband and the wife may not have survived Tuesday’s
[camper] explosion,” said Commissioner King.
Preliminary investigations performed by Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit, the Union County Fire
Department, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office indicate that the propane gas company followed all proper
procedures and is not at fault. Therefore, the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.
For the sake of those involved and their families, FYN won’t be publishing the names of the RV owners.
UCFD/EMA, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union General EMS, and AirLife responded to the scene.
All the authorities involved ask for prayers for the victims and their loved ones. This fatality marks the 61st fire fatality in Georgia this year.
Union Fire Department and EMS COVID-19 Update
Community, Press Release, UCFD August 7, 2020What’s “the new normal” for the community?
Community, Press Release, UCFD April 29, 2020BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Union County Fire Department and EMA issued the following statement concerning “the new normal” following COVID-19 and the governor’s reopening of the state’s economy.
“The Governor of the State of Georgia has signed an executive order on April 20th to allow certain businesses to open who have previously been ordered to close. This is being referred to as “opening up”. He followed up that executive order with another order on April 23rd that provided the guidelines for these businesses and extending other previous executive orders until May 13th. The businesses that are allowed to reopen must comply with certain restrictions and implement practices to reduce the exposure and spread of COVID-19. This can be very confusing and has raised a great deal of debate.
The “opening up” does not mean that we can throw caution to the wind or behave as if this is over. It is not over; this is our new normal for a while. The businesses that have chosen to open up must follow the restrictions and guidelines for the safety of employees and the customers. That is their responsibility. If anyone decides to go to these businesses, they must use common sense and practice all the precautions that have been taught over the last two months.
The new normal, for now at least, is practicing these precautions and preventive measures. This includes wearing a cloth mask. If you do not have a cloth mask by now, you are behind the times. People should get used to wearing a mask in public and get used to seeing others wearing them. The Governor’s executive order also “strongly encouraged” everyone to wear a mask when outside your home.
The mask is not only for your protection but for the protection of others. There is evidence that a person can be positive for COVID-19 and not be aware of it. They may have no signs and symptoms at all. They could also be spreading the virus without knowing it. This is why wearing a cloth mask in public is very important not only for your safety but for the safety of others.
According to the CDC, a cloth face covering or mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; be secured with ties or ear loops; include multiple layers of fabric; allow for breathing without restriction; and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. The CDC has more information on how to make and use a cloth mask.
This is our new normal for now. As I have stated before, we all have a part to play and it is very important that people take this seriously and do their part.”
Union County renews StormReady certification
Education January 22, 2020UNION 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, 2020BLAIRSVILLE, 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.
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.
Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer
Press Release December 11, 2019BLAIRSVILLE, 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.
UCFD Looking for Volunteer and Structural Firefighters
Announcements, Press Release October 21, 2019BLAIRSVILLE, 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.
Union County Fire Department Station 4 Open House a Fun Day for All
Community, News May 22, 2017Blairsville, GA – On Saturday, May 20, 2017, UCFD Station 4 opened up their house to residents of Union County and plied them with hot dogs, burgers and soft drinks. UCFD Lieutenant David Ueltzen and the volunteers of Station 4 put the event together. Union County Fire Chief David and his wife were there along with along with UCFD Battalion Chief Richard Jones and Lieutenant Brent Long and his family. Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris was on hand to greet residents and sample the ‘dogs’; and there were lots of kids around to keep the adults busy.
One resident of Union County made the suggestion that Station 4 develop a Website. Lt. Ueltzen thought that was a great idea; so, look for Station 4 on the Web soon.
There was a silent auction as well as a bundle of prizes that were given away to some happy visitors. All the items were donated by local businesses:
• Davis Jewelry of Blairsville
• Home Depot
• Walmart
• Chick-Fil-A
• Auto Zone
• O’Reilly Auto
• American Cowboy Store
• Ace Hardware
• Rose Auto
• Circuit World
• Pat’s Hallmark
• Brasstown Drug and Gun
• Fatz Restaurant
• Butternut Golf Course
• Union County Pool
• Christian Quilters
All in all, it was a fun day for everyone. Lieutenant Ueltzen and the volunteers of Station 4 wish to thank all those residents who kindly donated to our cause.
Eight Union County Volunteer Firefighters complete FAO training class; certified to drive and operate fire apparatus
News April 24, 2017The Union County Fire Department (UCFD) certified eight volunteer firefighters on Sunday, April 23, 2017 to drive and operate Union County Fire Apparatus (fire trucks).
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.
Trees down, but roads clearing in Union
News December 9, 2017BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Lieutenant Brent Long, of the Union County Fire Department, reported to Fetch Your News Saturday morning that crews are working this morning (Saturday, Dec. 9) to clear about 30 fallen trees from roadways throughout the county. Long stated there was no specific concentration of downed trees and that incidents of such were sporadic across the county.
Long added that the Union County Road Department worked throughout the night Friday and into early Saturday morning to treat and clear roads. According to Long, only three vehicle accidents occurred since 5 p.m. Friday evening, bringing the total number of accidents in Union County as a result of the weather to 45 since the arrival of Winter Storm Benji early yesterday morning. Long also reported that no fatalities or injuries were sustained in any of the accidents.
“We were very fortunate,” Long said of the lack of serious injuries to motorists.
As of 10:30 a.m. Saturday, isolated power outages were still being experienced across the county, Long stated, as a result of downed trees falling across lines. However, Long again described these outages as “sporadic” and not widescale.
Long added that the only road closure in Union is state Route 348 (Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway) and said he expects the road may remain closed throughout the weekend.
There was one house fire overnight in Union, occurring off of Fortenberry Road in the southeastern corner of the county. Long reported the fire was considered a total loss, but there were no injuries sustained. The family of the one displaced resident of the home is providing shelter and assistance to the resident.
Long stated cause of the fire is yet to be determined and local investigators are still working to find the cause of the blaze.