GILMER COUNTY, Ga. — A residential structure was destroyed by fire as thunderstorms moved through Gilmer County late Tuesday night, Aug. 11, and into early Wednesday morning.

Gilmer County fire and rescue crews were dispatched to a residence in the Harris Branch area during the storms.

According to Gilmer County Fire Rescue, emergency crews encountered a large tree that had fallen across Highway 382, completely blocking the roadway and delaying access to the fire.

Crews worked quickly to remove enough of the fallen tree to allow emergency vehicles to pass before continuing to the scene.

Officials said no one was inside the residence at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.