Cedar Bluff, Centre and Gaylesville firefighters responded to a report of a Highway 9 house fire near Cedar Bluff School on Thursday night.

According to Cedar Bluff Fire Chief Shawn Rogers as soon as Cedar Bluff firefighters arrived they were told by neighbors that the occupants of the home were still inside.

Chief Rogers and others quickly entered the structure, going to the second floor and waking the homeowners and a small child – helping everyone exit the home safely.

As firefighters entered the third floor of the home – where it appears the blaze began – they discovered what appeared to be an illegal drug operation.

At that point Cedar Bluff Police and Sheriff’s Office Investigators were called to the scene.

Michael Shawn Barger, age 62 and Juliette Renee Barger, age 47 – were taken into custody and charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

They were additionally charged with Chemical Endangerment.

Both were booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center shortly after midnight and were released on Friday on $8,500 bond each.

The investigation into the matter is on-going.