Gina Golden remains on a ventilator in critical care, suffering second and third degree burns following a residential fire in Copperhill December 16.
Golden was airlifted to Wellstar Cobb Medical Center in Austell, Georgia, immediately following the early morning blaze.
A hospital spokesperson would not release any information regarding Golden’s condition citing patient privacy. However, Golden’s daughter has posted continued updates, and requests the community’s prayers, via social media. Those posts say the victim suffered second and third degree buns and remains on a ventilator in critical condition.
According to Polk County dispatch records, a call came into Polk County 911 at 3:04 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, reporting a large structure fire on West Tennessee Avenue in Copperhill.
That call came in from a resident on Ocoee Street, across the Ocoee River in Copperhill, with cries of “help” being heard in the background. Another call came in from a neighbor on West Tennessee Avenue four minutes later with two more calls following.
Copper Basin Fire & Rescue (CBF&R) Engine #3 from Grassy Creek arrived on the scene first at 3:22 a.m.
Prior to its arrival, a Polk County deputy notified dispatch of a female with “severe burns.”
CareMed Ambulance Service transported Golden from the scene to a Lifeforce helicopter at the base just south of McCaysville.
Assistance from Fannin, Wolf Creek and Hiwassee Dam were requested, but units not already on the scene were canceled at 3:37 a.m., according to the dispatch records.
Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas confirmed seven Fannin firefighters assisted at the scene; although, no fire engines arrived.
West Tennessee Avenue had to be closed for a time due to ice on the roadway and the firefighting effort.
CBF&R Fire Chief Martin Senterfitt said he believes the cause to have been extension cords plugged to heaters running from the house to a lean-to temporary structure; though, the state fire marshal is investigating the cause.