Motorists on Highway 316 near the 4700 Mars Hill Road location could see smoke billowing into the sky starting around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
At least 30 volunteer firefighters from four stations responded to a fire at an abandoned house located at 4700 Mars Hill Road near Highway 316 around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Oconee County Fire Chief Bruce Thaxton said by the time the first station arrived, the roof had already collapsed and the fire was fully engulfed. A motorist had called 911. "When a property is abandoned and fully engulfed, we usually make the decision to let it burn out," he said. "It's easier for the owner to clean up that way." No one was injured, and there were no nearby structures threatened by the blaze. Firefighters monitored trees and grass to ensure the fire did not spread. Firefighters would remain on the scene until it was safe to leave and allow the fire to …
33.932342
-83.529369
4700 Mars Hill Rd, Bogart, GA
/articles/fire-engulfs-abandoned-house
/locations/3839080
Oconee County is always on the lookout for new volunteers -- but volunteering doesn't mean they aren't professional.
In downtown Watkinsville, in a ditch near Fire Station No. 1, a large white sign reads, "Join Oconee's Bravest!" The black-and-red letters jump out, asking for volunteer firefighters to sign on with the county department. While the sign reads "Volunteer Firefighters Wanted," the county already has a large number of volunteers for a community of around 31,000 people, according to Bruce Thaxton, fire chief and EMA director of the Oconee department. "We are not in desperate need, but we like to keep the sign out in case someone is willing to give," said Thaxton, who has been chief for more than 13 years. "The volunteers are dedicated and do it from their hearts to serve the community. Having a volunteer department is good for the community …
33.855233
-83.401219
Oconee County Fire Dept
1291 Greensboro Hwy, Watkinsville, GA
/articles/oconee-firefighters-commit-to-volunteering
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/locations/2807431
