Monroe County, GA (February 19, 2026) – A 67-year-old woman was found dead, and two others were hospitalized after an apartment building fire on Wednesday afternoon in Forsyth. Authorities responded around 3:36 p.m. to Union Hill Apartments at 235 Union Hill Drive, following reports of a fire with a person trapped inside.
Key Details
- Reported: February 18 at 3:36 p.m.
- Location: Union Hill Apartments, 235 Union Hill Dr, Forsyth, Monroe County
- Type of Incident: Residential apartment fire
- Fatality: 67-year-old woman found deceased inside apartment
- Injuries: Two individuals were hospitalized for smoke inhalation
- Investigating Agencies: Forsyth Police Department, Monroe County Coroner’s Office
What We Know So Far
- Forsyth police and fire crews were dispatched to the apartment complex after receiving reports of a fire with someone trapped.
- Investigators said the fire originated on the first floor and spread to the upper levels and the attic.
- Firefighters contained the flames to a single building.
- One person was found deceased inside the apartment where the fire began.
- The Monroe County coroner identified the victim as 67-year-old Sherrilynn Elder, pending confirmation by the GBI Crime Lab.
- Officials said she was living in the apartment on hospice care with a caretaker.
- Two other people were transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
- Police reported that one individual jumped from the second story before firefighters arrived and was caught by people outside.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The official cause of the fire has not been released.
- Authorities have not confirmed whether a gas leak contributed to the blaze.
- The final determination of the victim’s cause of death is pending further examination.
Local Context
The Union Hill Apartments at 235 Union Hill Dr in Forsyth sit within a residential section of Monroe County where multi-unit buildings house numerous families and individuals. Fires in apartment complexes can escalate quickly, especially when flames spread from one floor to upper levels and attic spaces. When crews respond to structure fires in densely populated areas, their initial priorities include locating trapped occupants, containing the fire to prevent it from spreading, and coordinating with law enforcement to secure the scene. Investigators will likely examine the point of origin and review witness statements as they work to determine how the fire began.
What to Do Next
- If you detect smoke or flames inside a building, exit immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
- Follow instructions from firefighters and emergency personnel during evacuations.
- Once it is safe, document any property damage and contact your insurance provider.
- Keep important documents and emergency contact information accessible in case you are displaced.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a fire?
A: Fire investigators must examine the scene, identify victims, and notify family members before releasing additional information.
Q: How do investigators determine the origin of an apartment fire?
A: They analyze burn patterns, structural damage, and witness accounts to pinpoint where and how the fire started.
Q: Can an investigation continue after the fire is extinguished?
A: Yes. Even after flames are put out, investigators often remain on scene to gather evidence and determine contributing factors.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
