Woman Critically Injured in Banks County Brush Fire

ALTO, Ga. — A woman was critically injured after suffering severe burns when a brush fire became uncontrollable Saturday in Banks County, according to fire officials.

Banks County Fire and Emergency Services crews were dispatched around 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19 to a property at 244 Hidden Valley Drive in Alto for a reported brush fire.

Firefighters arrived to find approximately one acre of brush burning out of control.

As crews worked to contain the fire, they discovered a woman who had suffered second- and third-degree burns to approximately 50% of her lower extremities, according to Banks County Fire Chief Steve Nichols.

On-site emergency medical personnel stabilized the woman before she was transported by medical helicopter to Grady Hospital in Atlanta in critical condition. Her identity was not released.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control by approximately noon. No other injuries were reported.

According to Nichols, the investigation determined the woman had been attempting to burn brush and used gasoline to help ignite the fire. The gasoline caused a flash fire, resulting in her injuries.

Fire officials reminded residents to use caution when conducting outdoor burning, particularly when using flammable materials.