First Responders Battle to Save Woman in Maryland Drive Blaze

Chattooga County has suffered its fourth fire-related death of 2025 after first responders fought desperately to save a woman trapped in a burning home Tuesday morning.

Bobbie Marie Blackmon, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene on Maryland Drive despite extraordinary efforts by firefighters who cut through the side of the building to reach her. A neighbor’s 911 call at 10:17 a.m. reporting the fire and possible entrapment brought crews from Summerville, Trion, and Hays State Prison rushing to the scene within minutes.

Fire crews launched an aggressive interior search and ultimately used cutting tools to breach the structure’s exterior wall to reach Blackmon. Even after successfully extracting her from the home, treatment by Atrium Floyd EMS could not save her life.

Chaplain Joel Smith and county EMA officials responded to provide support to the grieving family. The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating the cause of the blaze, though authorities say foul play is not suspected.

The coroner’s office transported Blackmon’s body to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.

A Tragic Trend

This fire death marks an alarming milestone for Chattooga County—the fourth fire-related fatality already in 2025. The grim statistic has prompted Coroner Jeremy McElhaney to issue an urgent safety warning to residents.

“I urge residents to use caution with heaters and fireplaces as colder weather approaches,” McElhaney said, emphasizing the need for heightened fire safety awareness throughout the community.

The series of fatal fires this year underscores the critical importance of working smoke detectors, proper heating equipment maintenance, and vigilance during the winter months when heating-related fires increase.