PRESS RELEASE – Monday evening, around 6:39 PM, Pickens Fire was dispatched to a reported residential fire in the Bent Tree Community.

First arriving units from Bent Tree Fire Rescue reported smoke showing from a two-story residence. Initial assessment indicated the fire may be in the basement and possibly extended up into the main living area.

The initial fire attack line was directed into the interior of the basement with a second line directed to the main living area. Firefighters were hampered with the attack on the main living area because of the floor already burned away.

It took a short while to finally get the fire under control, but the stubborn fire was completely extinguished around the 9:00 PM hour.

One resident was home at the time the fire started. Preliminary indications are that a lightning strike was the cause of the fire resulting in extensive damage to the home.

The occupant along with several nearby residents reported hearing the deafening sound of a lightning strike in the area. There were no injuries to the occupants or firefighters operating at the scene.

Responding units were Bent Tree Fire Rescue, Pickens Fire Engine 51, Engine 11, Med-5, Med 11, Several Bethany Salem (Sation 8 ) personnel and Rehab 8, County Fire Marshal, 1101 and Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.