Crime & Safety

Lightning Sparks House Fires in Duluth, Dacula

Fire damages attics of both homes and displaces occupants, according to Gwinnett Fire Department.

A fire sparked by lightning striking the roof of a home in the 3000 block of Oak Hampton Way in Duluth Thursday (April 11) night caused extensive damage to the attic and displaced three adults and two children.

The fire was reported in a 911 call about 9:26 p.m. by an occupant after lightning struck the roof, Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge reported in a news release. Three adult occupants inside the home reported a loud boom and the power going off. 

The male homeowner saw the roof vent pipes fall to the ground outside. When he went to check the attic, he noticed an orange glow from the fire. A neighbor was also knocking at the door to alert them to the fire. The occupants escaped, and all were outside safe when the fire department arrived, Rutledge said.

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Fire crews quickly deployed attack hose lines and advanced to the burning attic. The swift actions of the firefighters helped to contain most of the fire damage to the attic area, Rutledge said. There was extensive damage to the attic, he said.

The first and second floor sustained water and smoke damage from firefighting efforts, Rutledge said. There were no injuries reported. Three adults and two children who lived in the home were displaced due to the damage.

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Gwinnett firefighters also were involved in fighting a fire reported by an occupant at 10:41 p.m. in a home in the 3500 block of Greenside Court in Dacula Thursday night. The second house fire also was caused by lightning and damaged the attic, Rutledge reported.

Firefighters contained the fire to the attic, but the second floor sustained smoke and water damage, he said. The occupants were displaced from the home due to the damage. There were no injuries.

Both fires occurred as strong thunderstorms moved through portions of Gwinnett County Thursday night.

As the threat of lightning storms and severe weather increases over the spring and summer months, Gwinnett Fire officials suggested following safety rules:

  • Monitor weather conditions and stay alert to your surroundings at all times. Be prepared to take cover if conditions worsen.
  • Know the difference between a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.  Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio to get up-to-date weather information and warnings. 
  • Turn off and even unplug electrical appliances until the storm passes. Avoid being caught outdoors during a thunderstorm. 
  • If you suspect a lightning strike to your home, be sure to check the basement and attic if applicable. Be ready to escape if you detect the presence of smoke or fire.


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