BALL GROUND, Ga. — A pre-dawn fire tore through a vacant commercial building in Ball Ground’s historic downtown early Sunday, drawing a large response from Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services and shutting down part of Gilmer Ferry Road while crews brought the blaze under control.
What happened
Firefighters were dispatched shortly after 3:30 a.m. to a report of a structure fire on Gilmer Ferry Rd., where arriving units encountered heavy smoke and flames pushing through the roof of a one-story commercial structure. Crews deployed multiple hose lines and used aerial water streams from ladder trucks to knock down the flames and prevent spread to neighboring buildings in the historic corridor.
Key points:
- Call came in just after 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 10.
- Heavy smoke/flames through the roof on arrival; multiple hose lines and ladder trucks used.
- Gilmer Ferry Rd. closed during operations; crews remained on scene into the morning.
Road closures and status
As of early morning, officials kept Gilmer Ferry Rd. closed while firefighters and investigators worked the scene and ensured the area was safe for the public. Drivers were asked to avoid the corridor and use alternate routes through downtown.
What we don’t know yet
Investigators with the Cherokee County Fire Investigation Team are working to determine the cause. No injuries were immediately reported by local media or officials, and authorities did not release damage estimates as of publication.
Anyone with information or footage from the area around the time of the fire is encouraged to contact Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services or Ball Ground authorities.