A 2-year-old girl suffered serious burns in Jackson County about noon Thursday when the pickup truck she was in caught fire, officials said.

The fire was reported at the RaceTrac gas station in the 4700 block of Highway 129 North in Jefferson, police Chief Joe Wirthman said.

The gas station immediately instituted shut-off procedures so officials say there was no threat to the station or motorists in the area, Wirthman said.

The girl’s father was hurt while rescuing the girl, but his burns were minor and he was treated at the scene before flying with his child to Grady Memorial Hospital, Wirthman said. A bystander was also treated for smoke inhalation after helping with the rescue.

Investigators are not sure what caused the fire that damaged the inside of the truck.

Jackson County is about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta.

In other news:

About the Author

Keep Reading

Juana Alzaga (standing) instructs members of the Buford Highway Orchestra Project at the Latin American Association in Brookhaven on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. The orchestra, which is comprised mostly of children of parents who lack legal status, will be featured in the documentary “La Orquesta” coming this month to PBS. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller