JOHNS CREEK, Ga. --
A gas leak and fire sparked by lightning prompted the evacuation of part of a north Fulton County neighborhood early Monday morning, according to firefighters.
Lightning struck a tree near a home on Hillgate Crossing, according to Chief Chad McGiboney of the Johns Creek Fire Department. The home caught fire.
The lightning blast also ruptured a gas line, so firefighters evacuated several homes in the neighborhood until the gas line could be shut down.
Channel 2 Action News reporter Mike Petchenik rushed to the scene.
"I spoke to the fire chief and he said they've evacuated at least eight homes," Petchenik reported at 6:30 a.m.
Atlanta Gas Light crews shut off the gas line shortly after 8 a.m. and residents were allowed to return to their homes.
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