Lightning Causes House Fires in Gwinnett

Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services crews responded to house fires caused by lightning in Duluth and Dacula late Thursday (April 11).

Thunderstorms rolling through the county prompted an incident in the 3000 block of Oak Hampton Way in Duluth. Three adult occupants reported the power going off, and later noticed an "orange glow" from the fire in the attic. Fire crews contained fire damage to the attic. The occupants had escaped outside safely when fire crews arrived.

The other incident occurred in the 3500 block of Greenside Court in Dacula. Fire crews contained damage to the attic of the two-story house. All occupants had escaped safely outside when crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.

As the likelihood of severe weather and lighting increases during spring and summer, officials suggest some safety rules:

• monitor weather conditions and stay alert; be prepared to take cover if conditions worsen;
• know the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning; consider purchasing an NOAA weather radio to get current information and warnings;

•  turn off and even unplug electrical appliances until the storm passes; avoid being caught outdoors;

•  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 smoke or fire.

-- Got any pics from Thursday's storms? Upload them here.

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