Two structure fires in 24 hours damage property in Dawson County

BY DENISE RAY This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAWSON COUNTY EMS

Two structure fires within 24 hours of one another occurred in Dawson County, both requiring mutual aid assistance from Forsyth County for water.

“Over 200 road miles of Dawson County are without water for firefighting,” Dawson County EMS Director Danny Thompson said.

The first fire was reported at 12:30 a.m. September 23 when a passerby called 911 to report a fire behind Sanky’s/Big D’s BBQ on Hwy. 53 East. Firefighters arrived at 6564 Highway 53 East approximately four minutes later and faced heavy flames from the rear of the structure. Crews had the fire under control in just under an hour, according to Dawson County Emergency Services Interim Division Chief-Operations/Training and Deputy EMA Director Jason Dooley, but remained on scene for an additional two hours for salvage and overhaul.

“There was extensive fire damage to the back deck, roof and exterior of the structure,” Dooley said. “The second floor also received fire damage. The main floor and terrace level suffered significant water damage.

The structure contains the businesses of Today Title Loans and Nature's Way Chiropractic.

Forsyth County Fire Department assisted in battling the blaze with a ladder truck with aerial suppression. “Dawson County does not have a ladder truck and one was needed to assist in ventilation and aerial master stream,” Thompson said. No fire department or civilian injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.

At 2:30 a.m. on Sep. 24 Dawson County Emergency Services responded to a structure fire at 1336 Hanging Dog Rd. Firefighters faced a workshop of approximately 2,500 sq. ft. with flames showing through the roof. Dooley said crews had the fire under control in about an hour.

The shop and its contents were a total loss, including multiple recreational vehicles inside, and a work truck parked next to the structure, according to Dooley. Forsyth County Fire Department assisted in battling the blaze by providing an engine crew and a water tender. “This area has no fire hydrants, the units had to perform a water shuttle to provide adequate water for fire suppression,” Thompson said. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire appears to be electrical, according to Thompson.