Lightning strikes cause house fires on two Auburn homes a street away from each other

Two homes caught fire around the same time Friday afternoon in Auburn and first responders think both were caused by lightning strikes.
 
Both homes were in the Oakcrest neighborhood, and were one street away from each other, according to a press release from Barrow County Emergency Management Agency.
 
Neighbors reported lightning and loud "booms" prior to both fires starting, with a neighbor on Lisa Circle telling fire investigators her dog began barking at the window and acting strangely. Once she looked out the window the dog was barking at, she saw the house on fire.
 
The first fire was reported at a home in the 400 block of Nicole Court around 4:45 p.m. Firefighters reported light smoke and flames coming from the roof line and crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, according to the press release. One adult had already escaped. The home suffered light damage.
 
Within seconds of the first call, another call came in for the second home in the 400 block of Lisa Circle. First responders reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the back of the residence near the attic. The residents were out of town, so crews forced entry and attacked the fire upstairs. However, the second fire was not as simple to extinguish.
 
“The fire at the Lisa Circle location proved to be tricky one. The design of the attic and roof line made for multiple small
areas that allowed the fire to run and “hide”. Our crews did a great job of accessing these limited access areas by opening
holes in the ceiling and walls to expose and extinguish the fire,” said Steve Rose, Public Information Officer.
 
Three cats were rescued from the home and are in the care of a neighbor. No injuries were reported.
 
As for damage, the press release stated the responding firefighters were able to save most of the structure and contents of the home, even though it suffered heavy smoke, fire and water damage to the back and roof of the home. Crews were able to secure and protect both homes from further damage with tarps until the homeowners could make repairs.