Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle and his family lost their home in a fire early Saturday evening, local authorities

said.

The house is a total loss, Dawson County Fire Chief Lanier Swafford said.

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire in the laundry room on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 5 p.m.

Our units found heavy fire in the rear of the residence, even through the roof, Swafford said. At this time, we have no reason to believe there is anything suspicious.

No injuries were reported, although Carlisles son, 17, was home at time.

Dawson County stations 1, 2 and 7 were the first to respond to the call and were assisted by Forsyth County firefighters.

There was no delay in responding, and we had good access to water, Swafford said.

Improvements were made to Carlisle Road last year that included water lines and fire hydrants.

That new water line was utilized in fighting the fire, Swafford said. We had no problems with pressure.

Crew were on the scene approximately four hours, until 9 p.m., fighting the fire and conducting salvage and clean-up efforts.

I want to thank Dawson and Forsyth County EMS crews for all their hard work, Carlisle said Monday.

The community has rallied around the family.

Donations to support the Carlisles can be made at United Community Bank, Dawsonville, or any branch office.