Coweta storm sparks house fire, downed power lines

Lightning from the thunderstorm that blew through Coweta County Aug. 12 brought several downed trees and power lines and one house fire but no injuries.

Coweta County EMA Director Jay Jones said a residence on Belmont Park Lane on Newnan’s west side was apparently struck by lightning and had flames showing when firefighters arrived. Jones said there were no injuries though the damage to the structure was extensive.

Other residences in the county also subject to possible lightning strikes included Crescent Drive off Ga. Highway 154, Hubbard Drive off Ga. Highway 34 and Merrill Way off Roscoe Road. In all cases residents smelled smoke but there was no evidence of fire when firefighters arrived, Jones said.

The storm resulted in toppling power lines in four locations in northeast Coweta.

Jones said a number of trees were also downed during the storm, both in Newnan and along Hwy. 34 west of the city.