Emergency crews responded to a commercial fire alarm at the Burger King in Cornelia this morning (Saturday, January 17th) after reports of possible smoke inside the building.
According to Cornelia Fire Chief Jenkins, Cornelia Fire, Baldwin Fire, LACI, and Habersham County Emergency Services Station 5 were dispatched to Burger King, located at 114 Habersham Village Circle. Cornelia Engine 22 was the first unit to arrive on scene and found no visible smoke or fire from the exterior of the building.
Lieutenant Kyle Shelton made contact with the restaurant’s manager, who reported that smoke had been coming from an HVAC vent inside the restaurant. Fire crews investigated the issue and determined the source to be a broken belt in the HVAC unit caused by a mechanical malfunction.
Officials confirmed that no fire was present, no further hazards were identified, and no injuries were reported. Once the issue was addressed, employees were able to safely return to normal business operations.
Fire officials noted that the quick response and investigation ensured the situation remained a minor mechanical incident rather than a larger emergency.
The Cornelia Fire Department reminds businesses and residents that fire alarms should always be taken seriously, as they often provide the earliest warning of potential hazards.
