Tuesday Storms Kept Gwinnett Firefighters on Their Toes

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The strong thunderstorms that moved through Gwinnett County before 6 p.m. kept firefighters busy with a host of weather-related incidents reported.

The good news was there was no major damage or serious injuries reported as a result of the storm.

“We are fortunate that there were no major incidents, especially given the magnitude of the storm as it moved across the county,” Capt. Tommy Rutledge said in an email sent following the storms.

Some of calls included:

POSSIBLE LIGHTNING STRIKE

Firefighters responded at 5:39p.m. to a report of a possible lightning strike in the area of Pate Road, SW and Old Loganville Road in Snellville. Crews arrived to find a tree on fire from an apparent lightning strike. There was no damage to any structures and no injuries reported.

Equipment at the scene included: 1-Engine.

SMOKE ODOR INSIDE A RESIDENCE

Firefighters responded to an occupant report of a possible smoke odor inside a residence in the 3200 block of Pond Ridge Trail, SW in Snellville. Crews found nothing showing from the exterior on arrival. The odor dissipated and firefighters were unable to locate an exact source. It is unknown whether the odor was related to a possible lightning strike nearby. There were no injuries reported and no damage to the structure.

Equipment at the scene included: 1-Engine.

HOUSE FIRE

Firefighters responded to a neighbor report of a possible house fire across the street in the 4800 block of Jacobs Cove Point, NE in Buford. The caller reported smoke coming from the back yard. Crews found no sign of smoke or fire on the interior of the structure on arrival and believe that lightning may have struck in the back yard during a thunderstorm. There was no damage to the structure and no injuries reported.

Equipment at the scene included: 2-Engines and 1-Ladder Truck.

HOUSE FIRE

Firefighters responded at 6:40p.m. to a report of a possible lightning strike and fire at a home in the 2600 block of Bluffton Road, NE in Buford. Crews found nothing showing from the exterior on arrival. The source of the smoke odor inside the house was determined to be a lightning strike that ran inside via a cable TV line. There was no damage to the structure and no injuries reported.

Equipment at the scene included: 3-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Medic Unit and 1-Battalion Chief.

STORM RESPONSE

Firefighters were kept busy responding to a host of weather-related incidents during a strong line of thunderstorms that moved through the area just before 6p.m. this evening. In addition to the calls listed above, crews also responded to a few reports of wires down, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies (not storm related). There was no major damage reported and no serious injuries as a result of the storm. Fire officials activated the department’s emergency response plan (EOP) during the height of the storm. The EOP adjusts the amount and types of equipment that traditionally responds on incidents in order to allow more emergency units to be available for increased call volume. The department returned to normal operations around 7p.m.

We are fortunate that there were no major incidents, especially given the magnitude of the storm as it moved across the county. Citizens are encouraged to drive with caution and to allow extra time for travel when the weather turns inclement. While at home, be sure to turn-off and unplug electrical appliances and computer equipment until lightning passes. Stay indoors and avoid being out in the severe weather. Report any suspected lightning strikes or downed electrical lines to 9-1-1. If you are caught outdoors during a storm, seek shelter in a substantial structure or vehicle until weather conditions improve.