High winds are being blamed for two incidents of trees falling on power lines and causing fires on Monday, April 23.

The first incident took place on Hwy. 136 W, just past Fausetts Lake, when a tree fell over on top of the power lines. A power line fell to the ground, sparking a small brush fire.

Residents in the area were without power as Amicalola Electric and Dawson County Emergency Services worked to replace the power line and put out the flames. The road was also closed for a short time.

The second incident occurred in what is considered an abandoned building behind Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry on Hwy. 53, next to Amicalola Lodge. A tree fell over a power line in this particular incident, as well.

There was no power inside the facility, said Billy Thurmond, director of DCEMS. Thurmond went on to explain that the power line leading up to the building was active, which created the smoke once the tree fell on it.

Thurmond said the building never actually caught on fire, but the heat from the wires caused the tin roof to smoke. He said wind is being blamed for this incident, as well.