Structure Fire in Cedar Bluff Destroys Home; Family Displaced, Animals Lost

CEDAR BLUFF — A manufactured home was heavily damaged in a Monday midday structure fire in the 4000 block of Cherokee County Road 48 near Sand Rock School. The call was received by Cherokee County E911 reporting a structure fire involving the residence.

According to neighbors familiar with the family, five people live in the home, including two children. No one was home at the time of the fire.

Witnesses reported that the fire appeared to begin in a dog kennel located on the back porch before spreading into the residence. Though officially, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Several animals were lost in the fire, though others managed to escape or were rescued by first responders. Firefighters were seen rescuing a dog that made it to a window for help, along with a cat removed safely from the structure. Additional dogs were observed fleeing the home and later cared for by firefighters and bystanders.

Fire departments from Sand Rock, Leesburg, Tuckers Chapel, and Collinsville responded to the scene, along with Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Atrium Floyd EMS, and Cherokee Electric. Initial responders requested more units for additional manpower and water to assist.

Firefighters initially conducted an interior attack but were ordered out as flames intensified. Three blast from one of the pumpers, followed by a sustained blast, ordered firefighters from the home.

Crews continued battling the fire from outside until conditions were safe again for reentry. Responders remained on scene for several hours, working to fully extinguish the blaze.

No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported at the time of publication. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.