On the evening of August 19, 2025, at approximately 6:20 p.m., emergency responders from Lawrence County Fire Rescue were called to address two incidents related to lightning in the Ethridge Fire District. The first emergency occurred at a residence located on Buffalo Road, close to Flatwoods Road. Here, a lightning strike hit the yard, affecting a resident who was sitting on the porch beneath a metal awning. Although the individual was not directly struck by the lightning, they experienced numbness and were subsequently transported to Southern Tennessee Regional Health System in Lawrenceburg for medical evaluation.
Simultaneously, fire units were dispatched to a nearby field, roughly two miles away, where another lightning strike had ignited a fire. Fortunately, the blaze was quickly contained, preventing any additional damage to the surrounding area.
In light of these incidents, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, as lightning can strike even when storms are not directly overhead. They recommend that individuals seek shelter indoors immediately upon hearing thunder, avoid sitting on porches or in partially covered areas, and stay away from open fields, isolated trees, and bodies of water. Thankfully, no further injuries were reported in connection with these events.