(Loganville, Ga., July 28, 2015) – Gwinnett County Firefighters responded on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at 8:16p.m., to a report of a house fire due to a lightning strike in the 3800 block of Cool Springs Point, SW in (unincorporated) Loganville.

Crews found heavy smoke and flames burning in the attic of a two-story wood frame house on arrival.  Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines and entered the home to control the blaze and conduct a primary search.  Firefighters encountered intense smoke and heat conditions in the attic.  Firefighters were able to stop the fire spread, but not before it caused heavy damage to the attic area and part of the second floor.  There was smoke, heat and water damage throughout the house. 

The occupants, three adults, were home at the time and reported hearing a loud boom during a lightning storm.  The smoke alarm began sounding at about the same time as a neighbor was knocking at the door to alert residents to escape.  Firefighters were able to locate and remove two small dogs that were still inside the home.  The dogs were reunited with their owner and were not harmed.

Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours wetting down hotspots as insulation material smoldered in the attic.  The utility company was requested to disconnect power to the service line in order for fire crews to complete extinguishment and conduct overhaul operations.

The exact cause of the fire has been ruled a lightning strike based on the degree of damage and witness reports from occupants and neighbors.  The family was planning to stay nearby and denied Red Cross assistance.  There were no injuries reported.  See the below photo provided by the Gwinnett Fire-PIO.       

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 3-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs and 1-PIO.