HOLLINGSWORTH — Banks County officials say lightning may be responsible for the fire that destroyed a former poultry house used for storage in the Hollingsworth community Tuesday night.
At 5:40 p.m. July 31, units from Banks County Fire/EMS and Lee Arrendale State Prison Fire Department responded to 5406 Old Highway 441 North for a reported structure fire.
“Upon arrival, units found a 40-by-500 old chicken house that was being utilized for storage of household devices and rolled haybales,” said Banks County Fire/EMS Chief Steve Nichols.
The building was fully involved by fire, and firefighters operated in a defensive mode to protect surrounding structures.
“The fire was contained to the building of origin, and two minor injuries to fire personnel were reported,” Nichols said. “Fire personnel were treated on the scene by medical units and released to return to duty.”
The structure was a total loss, and the cause of the fire is listed as accidental, according to Nichols.
“A recent lightning storm in the area could not be ruled out,” Nichols said.
The incident was terminated at 10:17 p.m.