Fire officials say it appears lightning sparked a house fire in Demorest that caused heavy damage and killed several of the homeowner’s pets.
The fire broke out at 949 Highway 105 early Friday afternoon as strong thunderstorms were passing through Habersham County. Investigators say it appears lightning struck a tree and traveled through a gas line into the kitchen.
A caller reported the fire to 911 around 1:36 p.m. One person lived in the house but was not there when the fire broke out, officials say. They arrived just before firefighters to find their 1800-square-foot, single-story brick residence burning. The resident was safely outside when firefighters arrived, but at least three of their cats died in the fire.
Fire crews were met with heavy smoke and flames in the kitchen area. They initiated an interior attack and managed to save much of the structure.
Officials contacted Red Cross to help the homeowner. Family members were also on the scene to offer assistance.
Black says officials will conduct a more thorough investigation once the scene is overhauled, but for now, he says, “it appears to be an act of nature.”
Because of the fire and emergency vehicles blocking the road, law enforcement shut down a section of Highway 105 for several hours Friday afternoon. The road has since reopened.
Updated July 9@5:10pm
