Firefighters responded to a host of emergency incidents as strong thunderstorms moved through the area during the morning and afternoon on Wednesday.  The following is a brief synopsis:

The majority of incidents handled were determined to be good intent calls and did not result in significant damage.  Public Safety and Emergency Management Officials are continuing to monitor weather conditions and call volume as the day progresses.  Additional fire and medical units were placed in-service to respond to storm related emergencies. 

The County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was staffed throughout the day to coordinate response resources with police and fire officials.  Citizens are asked to be weather aware and should be prepared to take cover if storms turn severe.  Report any damage to the authorities immediately and avoid contact with downed electrical lines and flooded areas. 

HOUSE FIRE:

Firefighters responded at 9:42 a.m., to a report of a house fire due to lightning in the 4000 block of Winchester Way, SW in Loganville.  Crews found a working fire on arrival.  The blaze was reported to 9-1-1 as a lightning strike.  There were no injuries reported.  The fire caused extensive damage to the home.  Please contact the Loganville Fire PIO for additional media release information.  

HOUSE FIRE:

Firefighters responded at 10:09 a.m., to a report of a house fire in the 1100 block of Trailblazer Way, NW in Lilburn.  Crews found a working fire in the attic of a single-story house on arrival.  The blaze caused damage to the attic and roof on the back of the house.  There were no injuries reported.

HOUSE FIRE:

Firefighters responded at 9:52 a.m., to a report of a house fire due to lightning in the 5100 block of Bowers Brook Drive, SW in Lilburn.  Crews arrived to find flames and smoke showing from the attic of a one-story house over a basement.  Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines and made immediate entry inside the home to control the blaze and conduct a primary search.  The fire was quickly extinguished and was contained to the attic, bonus room and bathroom area.  An occupant was home at the time and reported a loud boom during a strong thunderstorm that was moving through the area.  A neighbor also knocked on the front door after seeing smoke pouring from the roof.  The blaze caused extensive damage in the attic, and smoke and water in the basement.  There were no injuries reported.

Dropbox Video/Photos: Bowers Brook House Fire:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/34490894f0prjz3/Gwinnett%20House%20Fire%20-%20Lightning%20Strike%20-%20Bowers%20Brook%20Drive%20Lilburn%2004-05-17.mp4?dl=0

TREE DOWN ON A HOUSE:

Firefighters responded at 2:10 p.m., to a report of a tree down on a house in the 1200 block of Tred Avon Way, SW in (unincorporated) Lilburn.  Crews found a tree that fell and took out a wall on the second floor of the house.  Several occupants were home at the time and were downstairs when the tree fell.  The occupants escaped unharmed and there were no injuries reported.  The family is being assisted by friends from church and neighbors.  A tree service is already at the house to begin removal of the tree.  The tree caused extensive damage to part of the structure.

Additional media information will be sent when available.