Georgia Lightning Strikes Cause 9 Fires in Gwinnett County

Lightning strikes during a Georgia thunderstorm caused nine reported building fires in Gwinnett County, including a severe house fire.

Capt. Tommy Rutledge says the Gwinnett County fire department moved to its emergency operations plan July 29, calling for assistance from neighboring counties. It also put an additional fire truck in service.

Authorities fought fires at a house, apartment complex and utility shed. Firefighters saw no smoke or flames at the other six fires when they arrived.

The worst damage was to a house in Buford. One woman was in the home but able to escape unharmed and call for help. It took firefighters nearly an hour to put out the flames. The roof of the two-story home was destroyed.

No injuries were reported in any of the fires.