Firefighter Injured in Lawrenceville House Fire Sparked by Lightning Strike

A house in Lawrenceville was engulfed in flames early this morning after being struck by lightning, resulting in the injury of one firefighter. The incident occurred on the 1900 block of Grouse Court NW.

Shortly after midnight, the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for northern Gwinnett County. At 2:01 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a house fire, with the caller reporting a lightning strike and ongoing evacuation.

Upon arrival at 2:08 a.m., fire crews observed flames venting from the attic of a single-family, split-level home. As firefighters began an interior attack and search for victims, the roof unexpectedly collapsed, injuring one firefighter. Fellow crew members assisted the injured firefighter out of the home, where he received immediate medical assessment and treatment. He was then transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. No other injuries were reported.

Following the collapse, firefighters withdrew from the burning structure and transitioned to an exterior attack to contain the blaze and protect adjacent homes. The fire was brought under control shortly after 2:30 a.m.

Bystanders informed firefighters that most residents were asleep when the fire began, but a teenage son witnessed lightning strike the house above the kitchen before seeing flames. His quick alert enabled everyone to safely evacuate before he called 911. The Red Cross is assisting nine adults and three children displaced by the fire. Fire officials on the scene confirmed the cause of the accidental fire was a lightning strike.

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of practicing home fire escape drills and establishing a common meeting place.