On Saturday afternoon, Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a house fire caused by a lightning strike.

According to a press release from Fire Chief Danny Thompson, Dawson County E911 received reports of a possible house fire at 2:17 p.m. at 55 Day Road in Dawsonville. Units were dispatched and arrived on the scene at 2:23 p.m. Aug. 24 and found flames through the roof and heavy smoke showing from a two-story single-family dwelling. Crews mounted an aggressive interior attack to bring the fire under control.

At the time of the fire, Dawson County was experiencing a strong line of thunderstorms, producing a significant amount of cloud to ground lightning, the press release continues.

Thompson said the cause of the fire appears to be from a lightning strike.

The occupants of the residence were not at home when the fire started, but did have several canines in the residence.

According to the release, crews were able to locate three canines in the home. One was deceased at the scene, but fire personnel assisted the family in transporting two dogs to the emergency animal hospital in Gainesville. The two dogs are still receiving treatment.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they recover from this tragic incident,” said Thompson.

Dawson County responded with three engine companies, two med units, water tender and several fire officers, and received mutual aid from Hall County Truck 16 and their Battalion Chief, Thompson said.

There were no firefighter or civilian injuries at this incident.