Strong storms spark lightning fires across Gwinnett County

Lightning fires damaged a home, an apartment complex and a ba in Gwinnett County Monday night.

Firefighters had to rip through the drywall of a Lilbu home to get to the flames sparked by lightning bolt.

"It went through the eve of the house and went into the attic," homeowner Mike Cannizzaro said.

Mike Cannizzaro says his daughters were inside the home at the time. They heard thunder, but didn't realize their home was on fire.

"One of the neighbors actually saw the smoke coming out of the vent and knocked on the door and told my daughters," Cannizzaro told Channel 2's Craig Lucie.

Less than 10 miles away and minutes later, another bolt struck the Tree Coers Apartments in Grayson.
"We heard the lightning strike and it was the one of the scariest noises I ever heard," resident Sophie Salnave explained.

Salnave and five other families are temporarily being moved out because their apartments have fire damage and are soaked after another lightning fire.

Gwinnett County firefighters told Lucie the lightning calls were non-stop.

"Since about 6 p.m. we have been extremely busy," Public Information Officer Captain Eric Eberly said.

Eberly said fortunately no one was hurt after the fires.