A quick response by firefighters saved two residences from being entirely destroyed by fire after lightning struck them in recent summer storms.
According to Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain, lightning struck the first house, located on the 900 block of State Route 16/Monticello Road, around 6:20 p.m. Monday, July 15.
“Thankfully, the family was home at the time and able to call us, and we extinguished the fire quickly, so they didn’t lose their house,” McClain said.
Putnam County Fire Department had a unit on the scene within four minutes of the call, and the Eatonton Fire Department responded to help with their water tanker because no fire hydrants were in the area, McClain said.
Three of the county’s fire apparatus and nine firefighters battled the blaze with the help of the city’s tanker and six volunteer city firefighters. McClain said the brick house received minimal damage.
Less than a week later, lightning hit a doublewide mobile home on the 300 block of Possum Point, which also caught on fire. Putnam County 911 received that call around 9 p.m. Sunday, July 21.
“The homeowners were at home when the lightning strike occurred, so they were able to (call) early and get everyone out of the structure,” McClain said. “We had a unit on scene within eight minutes and were able to locate and extinguish the fire before it grew out of control.”
Again, nine PCFD personnel and three apparatus were on hand to fight the fire, according to the fire chief. He added that the damage was minimal, and the homeowners could stay in the home, he said.
The National Weather Service forecast continued higher-than-average temperatures and resulting thunderstorms in Georgia, so Chief McClain offered advice for residents.
“Working smoke detectors are a must-have in every home,” he said. “Early detection and rapid evacuation significantly improve your chances of survival from a house fire. Call 911 as soon as everyone is safely out of the home.
An accurate description of location and conditions will significantly assist help getting to you promptly.”