Last night, Clay County Fire & Rescue responded to two separate residential structure fires in our county

The first fire occurred around 6:00 p.m. in the Shooting Creek Fire District. Upon arrival, crews found the structure heavily involved in fire. Due to the extent of the fire, firefighters initiated defensive operations to prevent the spread to nearby woods and neighboring structures.

During operations at the first incident, one firefighter experienced a medical emergency and was transported by Clay County EMS to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The second fire occurred at approximately 3:50 a.m. in the Brasstown Fire District. Arriving crews again encountered a structure heavily involved in fire. Firefighters also discovered that the fire had extended to two adjacent 250-gallon propane tanks.
Because of the intense heat, both tanks had begun venting propane to prevent rupture, sending flames an estimated 40 to 50 feet into the air.

The extreme heat from the venting propane was threatening a nearby residence. Crews quickly worked to cool the tanks, reduce internal pressure, and stop the fire’s spread to the adjacent home, which sustained only minor exterior damage.

At the second incident, one resident was treated on scene by Clay County EMS for smoke inhalation.

The cause of both fires will be investigated by the Clay County Fire Marshal’s Office.

We would like to thank North Carolina Forest Service for their assistance at both incidents, as well as Peachtree Fire & Rescue, Murphy Fire Department, and Martins Creek Fire Department for their assistance at the Brasstown fire.