Operations & Training

Lightning Suspected in Zebulon, GA, Church Fire

July 19, 2024

An off-duty Pike County firefighter spotted the fire at the historic church and called 9-1-1.

Lightning is suspected for sparking a fire that destroyed a historic church in Zebulon.

An off-duty firefighter spotted the flames and called 9-1-1. Residents said they heard the strike during a storm.

"The main sanctuary is a total loss with significant water and smoke damage to the rest of the structure," a Pike County fire department spokesperson told 11 Alive.

Firefighters placed numerous aerial ladders in operation as they battled the fire in the Zebulon United Methodist Church that was built in 1897.

Great response, mutual aid agreement with neighboring counties. Spalding and Northside Thomaston Fire Departments both were there,said Anita Neath, Pike County Fire Department public information officer.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.