Lightning Sparks Multiple Fires

Oconee County volunteer firefighters were busy battling two structure fires Saturday evening after passed through the area.

The fires both occurred around 7:30 p.m.; one at a home on Jacob Drive and another at a house on Second Street, which closed a portion of the road for over two hours.

Lightning struck a nearby pine tree and flames spread to the brick house at 15 Second Street, Fire Chief Bruce Thaxton said. The residents had just pulled into the driveway when the fire ignited, he said. Close to 35 from Stations 1 and 8 responded with two engines.

Around 9 p.m., crews were still dousing part of the roof, attic, and a first-floor bedroom, which was gutted.   The house sustained heavy smoke and heat damage throughout, Thaxton said.

An additional engine from Station 1 was sent to 1281 Jacob Drive in the Christian Lake Subdivision where lightning ruptured a natural gas line and started a fire in the basement, Thaxton said.  A water line also ruptured as a result of the fire. Fire damage was limited to the floor joist and insulation, he said. Firefighters stayed on the scene to control the water leak, extinguish hot spots, and ventilate smoke from house, he reported.

Firefighters also cleared several downed trees along High Shoals Road near and in the area of U.S. 441 close to the Morgan County line.

Alarms were activated at North Oconee High School, Oconee Presbyterian Church, and residences on Townside Lake Court and Christian Terrace.

No injuries were reported.