Lightning Sparks House Fires in Gwinnett County

Lightning caused three house fires in Gwinnett County as another round of strong storms hit the area Saturday night. No injuries were reported.

Here’s a synopsis of Gwinnett Fire’s storm response activity during the storm (from press releases):

HOUSE FIRE
Firefighters responded at 8:49 p.m. to a report of a house fire due to lightning in the 1364 block of Meghan Danielle Drive, SW in Lilburn. Crews found flames showing from the attic and second floor on arrival. There are no injuries reported. The fire caused extensive damage to the attic and second floor.

HOUSE FIRE
Firefighters responded at 9:40 p.m. to an occupant report of a house fire in the 2776 block of Spanish Oak Drive, SW in Lilburn. Crews found flames showing in the basement of a two-story house on arrival. It appears that lightning hit outside and ran in on the water line, sparking a fire in the basement. The fire occurred during a strong thunderstorm that was moving through the area. The fire was contained to the basement and caused extensive damage. The blaze sent thick smoke throughout the two-story house. Occupants were home at the time and escaped unharmed.

HOUSE FIRE
Firefighters responded at 10:12 p.m. to an occupant report of a house fire due to lightning in the 1650 block of Little Lisa Lane, SW in Snellville. Crews found flames through the roof on a two-story house on arrival. Neighbors and the occupant reported hearing a loud boom just prior to the fire erupting. The incident occurred during a strong thunderstorm that produced heavy rain, wind and cloud-to-ground lightning. It appears that lightning struck in the attic and sparked an intense fire. The majority of fire damage is contained to the attic, with significant smoke, heat and water damage to the first and second floor. One occupant was home at the time and escaped unharmed. The occupants will be displaced due to the damage.

TREE ON A HOUSE

Firefighters responded at 8:15 p.m. to a report of a tree on a house in the 1513 block of Spender Drive, NW in Norcross. Crews found a tree on the power lines and request the power company. There were no injuries reported.

Photo: Lightning caused this fire on Little Lisa Lane in Snellville Saturday night. Credit: Gwinnett Fire PIO