This home on Phillips Drive in White County sustained heavy damage in a fire caused by lightning. (photo courtesy White County Public Safety)
(Cleveland)- Heavy thunderstorms and high winds that moved across Northeast Georgia Tuesday night left many people dealing with power outages. In addition, White County Pubic Safety Director David Murphy reported at 10:30 p.m. fire personnel were dispatched to Independent Drive in southern White County, Murphy said the call was in reference to a tree that fell on a home during the storm.
Once on scene, firefighters confirmed a tree that had fallen onto the house and that the homeowners were out of the house and sitting in their car. White County fire personnel checked the house and found no additional hazards then called for Red Cross to assist the homeowners.
Storm knocks out power across North Georgia
Murphy said, prior to exiting the home, the owner had secured the power to the house. He said there was heavy damage inside and outside the home including roof damage. There were no injuries to the occupants or responders.
Murphy said 11:01 p.m. Tuesday, E-911 received a call for a residential fire reported after a lightning strike hit a house on Phillips Drive. White County firefighters along with Automatic Aid from City of Cleveland Fire and Lee Arrendale State Prison Fire Brigade responded.
Murphy said upon arrival, firefighters found a 2,000 sq ft home heavily involved with flames showing through the roof. All occupants were out of the home; the Red Cross was contacted to assist three adults and one pet.
According to Murphy White County also requested the assistance of our C.E.R.T. personnel to assist with rehab. There was a vehicle in the garage of the home that sustained heat and smoke damage. No injuries were reported; firefighters were on the scene for 6 hours.
In addition to Murphy’s report a homeowner, Susan Hage, who lives off Adair Mill Road said they were surprised when they walked outside Wednesday morning and found a huge tree had fallen on a van that was parked next to their house. There was no damage to the house and no injuries reported.
By: Dean Dyer, WRWH News
