The ongoing fiery temperatures helped to create conditions for a pair of fires in Washington and Johnson counties last week.
On Thursday, June 20, multiple fire crews in Washington County were dispatched to both an early morning and late night fire.
At approximately 7:00 a.m., fires first began at the Midway Straw Company on Highway 319 in Johnson County. Crews fought for over 12 hours before extinguishing the final flames.
More than 15,000 bales of hay were lost in the incident. Nearly 70 firefighters took part in the day long efforts to douse the fire. Responding from Washington County were crews from the Sandersville, Davisboro, Oconee, Ohoopee, and Harrison Fire Departments.
The Midway Straw Company is well-known for their patriotic display of the American flag painted across 78 bales of hay – 6 stacked high and 13 lined across – that faces passing traffic on Hwy 319.
The flag was first painted on bales in 2019, the year prior to a fire at Midway Straw that caused over $350,000 in damages. The barn which houses the flag display has remained unaffected in both fires.
Crews from Washington, Johnson, Laurens, and Truetlan counties, the Georgia Forestry Commission, and multiple volunteers of the local communities contributed in the elongated event.
After assisting during the fearless fight in Wrightsville, the Sandersville Fire Department returned home on Thursday night to face a new challenge at the Ferncrest Apartment complex across from the Washington County Regional Medical Center.
Just after 11:00 p.m., crews responded to the structure fire, where multiple individuals were entrapped on the second floor of the building.
Following a battle with heavy smoke and flames, all persons were rescued and the fire was extinguished.
Personnel with the Sandersville Police Department, Washington County EMS, Sandersville Electric Department, and Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the episode.
No serious injuries were reported at either of the Thursday fires. Both are under investigation to determine the causes. Foul play is not expected in neither incident.
