A barn owned by Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen was destroyed in a fire Monday night during severe storms that moved through the area.
Allen said lightning struck a fence charger on the property, sparking a fire that quickly spread to the barn. The structure was ruled a total loss.
Allen and his wife, Whitney, thanked emergency responders in a message shared on social media.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank Gore Fire Department and Hays State Prison on their quick response and professionalism that they showed early this morning,” the couple wrote. “During the storms last night lightning hit our fence charger which sparked a fire and our barn was a total loss. They worked diligently to ensure the fire was completely contained and would not spread to our horse barn. We appreciate their efforts and kindness.”
No injuries were reported in the incident.