A massive fire erupted along Highway 123 in Stephens County this evening, sending a towering plume of smoke high into the sky and prompting swift response from multiple emergency agencies. The blaze broke out in a commercial building near East Tugalo, drawing immediate concern from nearby residents who reported seeing flames from miles away.The Carnes Creek Fire Department was the first to arrive, quickly joined by Stephens County EMS, Big Smith Fire, Toccoa Fire, local police, and sheriff’s deputies.
Firefighters launched an aggressive attack, stretching water lines across Highway 123 and coordinating efforts to contain the fast-moving blaze. With fire crews operating directly on the roadway, authorities shut down traffic in both directions and issued advisories for drivers to steer clear of the area.The closure, which extended through the busy evening commute, also forced several nearby businesses to close early as a safety precaution.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with heavy equipment, fire engines, and tanker trucks filling the roadway while crews worked tirelessly to knock down the flames.Officials have not yet released details on what sparked the fire or whether anyone was inside the building at the time of the outbreak. EMS personnel remained on standby as firefighters pushed deep into the structure, battling intense heat and heavy smoke conditions.
Local residents expressed gratitude for the rapid response, crediting the teamwork of multiple departments with preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent structures. Still, the blaze caused significant disruptions, and investigators are expected to remain on scene well into the night.As the community awaits updates, Highway 123 remains closed near East Tugalo, with no estimate yet on when the road will reopen. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area until further notice.
