Duplex occupant treated for smoke inhalation

CLEVELAND – An early-morning fire in White County Tuesday morning left a duplex damaged and a resident suffering from smoke inhalation.

“Early this morning, around 5:30 a.m., Stations 4, 2, Cleveland Fire, and Lee Arrendale firefighters responded to a reported structure fire on May White Road near Cherry Ridge Lane in southern White County,” said White County Fire Department spokeswoman Ana Newberry. “A White County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was luckily in the immediate area arrived on scene within minutes of the call. The deputy could see the flames from a front window and alerted the occupants.”

The fire was in a duplex.

“Upon arrival, firefighters found a duplex where fire was visible; all of the occupants were outside,” Newberry said.

After entering through the front of the unit, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly.

The single occupant of the affected duplex was treated by White County Emergency Medical Services at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.

“The home did have smoke detectors, but they did not alert the resident,” Newberry said.

Firefighters found fire near the bathroom and master bedroom, though a cause has not been determined. As is standard procedure, State Fire Investigator Brian Smith was called to the scene and is investigating, Newberry said.

The American Red Cross was called to assist the two families whose duplex was affected.