Gwinnett Fire Crews Work Storm Incidents

Gwinnett fire crews worked several incidents related to the thunderstorm that moved through the area early Wednesday evening, according to Capt. Tommy Rutledge. Below is a brief synopsis:

TREE DOWN ON A HOUSE:

• Firefighters responded at 4:44 p.m. to an occupant report of a tree down on a house in the 3700 block of Willow Wood Way NW in Lawrenceville. There were four people at home when a large oak tree came crashing through the living room. All occupants were outside when the fire department arrived and escaped unharmed. Firefighters checked the structure and secured the utilities (power and gas) as a precaution. The occupants were displaced due to the damage. The tree was uprooted due to the storm.

TREE DOWN ON A VEHICLE:

• Firefighters responded at 5:02 p.m. to a report from the owner of a tree that fell on a vehicle parked in the driveway in the 2900 block of Five Oaks Circle SW in Lilburn. Crews found a large pine tree that fell across the driveway and crushed a truck. The tree also snapped a power pole in the front yard and pulled the electrical service line away from the house. The tree caused damage to the roof of the home when the power line was pulled down. Occupants were home at the time and were not hurt. The tree was uprooted due to the storm.

HOUSE FIRE/LIGHTNING STRIKE:

• Firefighters responded at 4:51 p.m. to a report of a house fire in the 700 block of Continental Drive SW in Lawrenceville. Crews found a working fire at the location with heavy smoke showing from a split-level house. The blaze has been confirmed as a lightning strike. A neighbor reported seeing lightning strike in the general area and saw smoke and fire coming from the house moments later. There was an occupant (adult female) home at the time the lightning hit. She immediately went downstairs after hearing a popping sound and discovered the fire. She was working to get several  pets out when police and fire crews arrived. The fire caused extensive damage to the interior of the home and sent smoke and heat throughout. Fire investigators believe the lightning hit nearby and traveled inside the home via electrical wiring. There was also damage to a metal fence in the yard. A fire truck that was responding to a report of wires down in the same area diverted to the fire. Crews were able to make a good stop on the forward progress of the flames, but not before the blaze caused extensive damage inside the home. Two animals (1 dog and 1 cat) inside the house did not survive.