Lightning strikes Barrow home

Firefighters were dispatched to a Commons Road residence just before 9 p.m. on June 25. First arriving firefighters found light smoke in the residence.

Upon further investigation, firefighters discovered a small fire in the wall behind the stove. Crews removed part of the wall and insulation in order to access the fire. Crews were able to contain the fire with a fire extinguisher.

Firefighters also found a small hole in the gas line that feeds the stove. Crews removed the debris from the residence and ventilated the smoke.

The cause of the fire appeared to be a lightning strike.

Earlier that evening, firefighters responded to a possible structure fire in the 1500 block of Austin Road in Bethlehem.

“Upon arrival of firefighters, an outbuilding was found with light smoke showing,” said Barrow County Emergency Services public information officer Lt. Scott Dakin. “Firefighters found the owner on the scene with a fire in the engine compartment of a Ford 3000 Tractor. The owner had the fire controlled prior to our arrival.”

Firefighters remained on the scene to check the tractor and confirm the fire was completely extinguished.

On June 26, a third structure fire was reported in the 300 block of Kilcrease Road in Auburn. Engine 4, Ladder 7, Med 4 and Battalion 1 were dispatched.

Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the eaves and fire in the bedroom window of a double wide mobile home.

Crews made a very fast attack on the fire and were able to stop fire spread within minutes. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Investigation Unit.