Victim seriously injured at White County fire

HELEN - One person was seriously hurt at the scene of a structure fire in the 4800 block of Helen Highway north of Cleveland late Monday afternoon.

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said the fire, located in a two-story, wood-frame structure across from Smithgall Woods Animal Shelter, was reported shortly after 5 p.m.

Firefighters from White County Station 3, Helen Fire Department, and Cleveland Fire Department were called to the scene, along with White County EMS.

A medical helicopter was requested due to an injured person on the scene.

"The helicopter could not fly due to weather," Murphy said. The victim was ground transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Asked about the nature of the victim's injuries, Murphy said, "It was injuries sustained when [the victim] fell from the balcony. I would say the victim had serious injuries."

Fire was contained to the downstairs of the building, Murphy said.

The cause of the fire was not immediately released.

"It appears to be accidental, but it's still under investigation," Murphy said.