An early morning fire at an unoccupied residence on Ga. Highway 92 North just north of Gingercake Road resulted in extensive damage. Firefighters fighting the blaze in sub-freezing temperatures saw the runoff water from their hoses freeze on the ground and roadway.

Fayette County Fire & Emergency Services Capt. Pete Nelms said 911 dispatchers received a smoke report at approximately 5:40 a.m. County staff were attempting to locate the smoke when another call came in at 5:58 a.m. reporting a fire in progress in the 700 block of Hwy. 92, Nelms said. Firefighters were dispatched at 5:59 a.m. and arrived on the scene at 6:04 a.m. to find the 2-story house engulfed in flames.

Hwy. 92 had to be temporarily shut down at 6:10 a.m. because the hydrant was located on the opposite side of the road, Nelms said. A 24-degree temperature did not hinder efforts by Fayette and Fayetteville firefighters, but did cause water running off from the fire scene to freeze as it coursed downhill across the yard and onto the roadway, Nelms said.

Georgia Dept. of Transportation trucks assisted with the icing and the fall-hazard the fire created for firefighters by applying sand to the road. Fayette County Building & Grounds Department also assisted by providing de-icing equipment.

Nelms said no one was inside the home at the time of the fire. He said the fire caused a minimum of $250,000 in damages to the structure and contents. Officials were able to make contact with the homeowner later in the morning.

Nelms said the cause of the fire is under investigation.