4 Forsyth Firefighters Injured During Friday's Storm

CUMMING, GA -- While Forsyth County was under a tornado warning with sirens going off, four Forsyth County firefighters were injured when they responded to a house fire during the severe storms on Friday, April 19.

Forsyth County Fire Department Division Chief Jason Shivers said one firefighter was injured when a burning house off Vickery Point, in the Vickery Lake neighborhood, collapsed on him. Shivers said crews were dispatched at 5 a.m. to the home when they received a call it was on fire, likely from a lightening strike.

"The homeowner described it as a lightening strike," Shivers said. "It struck the attic, which collapsed part of the roof onto the second floor, and then the main floor. It landed on the firefighter who was inside working to suppress the fire. He was hit on the head with significant weight from debris and sheet rock, which was even heavier because it was wet. It is believed he was also hit on the head with a chandelier or ceiling fan."

The firefighter was trapped briefly, but quickly removed. Shivers said the firefighter lost consciousness twice and was taken to North Fulton Hospital. He has since been released. The firefighter was put on light duty as an aide to the batillion chief doing logistics, office and clerical work during his shift. Shivers said it will be awhile until the man is physically recovered.

All occupants of the home, including a grandmother, grandfather, three grandchildren and a dog, were all able to get out safely. No one else was injured. The home sustained significant damage, but Shivers said it is likely salvageable due to the fire damage contained to the area of the roof that was burned. The rest of the home was untouched except for smoke and water damage.

Three more firefighters were injured during that morning when Engine No. 6, which was responding as back up to the fire, ran off Shiloh Road and rolled over.

"They were driving through horrible conditions at the time," Shivers said. "There was very heavy rain and significant wind and lightening. As they heard the radio traffic say a firefighter was down and entrapped, by nature it increased their need to be there quicker. I can't say if that's the cause for the roll over or if the weather was to blame for running off the road. That will be part of an ongoing investigation."

All three firefighters were injured to varying degrees, including bumps, bruises and scrapes, Shivers said. They have been released by the hospital and will return to full duty and their shift later this week.

The fire engine was towed to headquarters where it is quarantined for an ongoing investigation, Shivers said.

"No civilians were involved, nor were there any injuries to anyone else," Shivers said. "Fortunately, there was very little traffic on the road at that time of day and no one else involved."

That was the first of two fires that day, he said. Another fire occurred around noon in the south end of the county off Saddle Ridge Drive. No one was injured, but the fire did displace a family of four.