Fatal White County fire was cooking-related

CLEVELAND – The Nov. 24 fire that claimed the life of 62-year-old Joanie Menten of Sautee on Joe Black Road north of Cleveland has been ruled accidental.

While results of standard toxicology reports from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Science in Decatur could take months, investigators have determined the cause of the fire.

“That fire was a cooking fire,” said White County Arson Investigator Robi Wilkins on Monday. “I can say the fire started in the counter area right there at the stove. The nature of the fire was accidental.”

The 900-square-foot home consisted of two rooms: a large common area that included the kitchen, living room and sleeping area, and one small bathroom, Wilkins said.

White County Fire Department conducted the investigation. WCFD was assisted at the scene by White County Sheriff’s Office and the White County Coroner’s Office.