Lightning Strike Causes Overnight Lilburn House Fire

LILBURN, GA — Four adults and a child escaped a home unharmed after a lightning strike caused a house fire Monday, at 11:45 p.m., in the 900 block of Dundee Drive, NW in unincorporated Lilburn. Crews arrived to find flames and smoke showing from the attic and roof of the house. The family was outside-safe when the fire department arrived and no injuries were reported.

The family reported hearing a loud boom during a strong thunderstorm and went outside to discover the roof on fire. It appears that lightning struck a tall tree in the backyard and entered the home, sparking a fire in the attic, according to the fire department. A neighbor also saw the flames and smoke and called 911.

“We are fortunate that everyone made it out safe,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge. The American Red Cross was requested to provide assistance for the family displaced by the damage.

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Firefighters deployed fire attack hose lines and entered the home to extinguish the flames and conduct a primary search. The blaze was contained to the attic and roof and caused extensive damage. There was water and smoke damage throughout the house.

Firefighters are encouraging residents to be weather alert as we enter the spring and summer months. Pay special attention to severe weather watches and warnings and be prepared to take cover immediately. If you suspect a lightning strike, get-out fast and call 911. Never go back inside a burning building.

Equipment at the scene included: three engines, one ladder truck, one squad, one medic unit, one air and light unit and one battalion chief.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire Department