Urgent Evacuations as Fire Tears Through Floyd County
A fast-moving wildfire swept through Floyd County on Sunday, forcing urgent evacuations and leaving a trail of scorched land. By evening, firefighters managed to contain the nearly 100-acre blaze, but not before it came dangerously close to homes.
Fire Erupts, Residents Flee
The Floyd County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) sent out an urgent message Sunday afternoon, warning residents to evacuate the 600 block of New Rosedale Road in Armuchee. The wildfire, driven by unpredictable winds, pushed toward Deason Road and Floyd Springs Road.
“Please avoid the area. Highway is closed,” EMA officials wrote on social media.
State Route 156, a key highway in the area, was shut down in both directions as flames roared closer. The Georgia Department of Transportation confirmed the closures, which lasted several hours before the road was cleared and reopened.
Firefighters Battle Relentless Flames
Rome-Floyd Fire Department Chief Troy Brock described the scene as chaotic but ultimately manageable. By Sunday evening, the flames were surrounded, though crews continued to monitor for stubborn hotspots.
“It was moving fast — faster than we expected with the wind shifting in all directions,” said Rome Fire Battalion Chief Roger Haggard. He noted that the unpredictable gusts made it challenging to predict the fire’s path.
Despite the speed and intensity, no injuries were reported.
Close Calls and Burned Land
For Davis Brooks, a longtime resident of the area, the wildfire was a heart-stopping scare. “I feel very lucky because it got within 100 feet of the house,” Brooks said.
Brooks wasn’t allowed back to his property for several hours. His thoughts weren’t only on his home — but on his cat. “I worried about, to be honest with you, about a cat that I had fastened up in the house,” he admitted.
When he finally returned, Brooks found about 40% of his land blackened and scorched. But his house, standing for 55 years, remained untouched. “I was glad to get up here and see that it was under control,” he said.
What’s Next for Floyd County?
With the immediate danger under control, officials say they’re keeping a close eye on the area for flare-ups. Dry conditions and wind could still pose a threat.
Local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. So far, no official cause has been determined.
The Rome-Floyd Fire Department plans to assess the damage and work on recovery efforts in the coming days. Meanwhile, residents are left to clean up what’s left of their properties — and breathe a sigh of relief that the worst is over.
