Crime & Safety

Gwinnett Home Destroyed by Lightning Fire

The home on DeVille Circle in Suwanee is a total loss, Gwinnett Fire reports.

Lightning caused an "intense attic fire" at a house Sunday in Gwinnett, as storms moved through the area. The home in the 260 block of DeVille Circle in Suwanee was a total loss, although a family of two adults and two children escaped unharmed.

Lighting struck the roof of the home after 4 p.m., when the family was also alerted to the storms by a CodeRED warning from the City of Suwanee.

Fire crews found heavy flames and smoke shooting from the roof of the house on arrival. Firefighters made immediate entry to battle the blaze and conduct a primary search.

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Crews reported intense heat and deteriorating conditions in the attic moments later, which forced them to back out and battle the blaze from outside. The center of the roof collapsed shortly after fire crews pulled lines out and went to a defensive mode.

Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said, "If you suspect a lightning strike, be sure to check the attic and basement first.  Be prepared to evacuate immediately if you encounter smoke or flames.

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"If your home is safe, quickly check outside in case lightning hit a neighboring house.  Never re-enter a burning home for any reason."


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