Pearl River County Volunteer Fire Departments responded to two structure fires in the early morning hours of Tuesday.

Both structures were considered “total losses” after the fires, said Pearl River County Fire Marshal Albert Lee.

Lee said Carriere, Pine Grove, Henleyfield, McNeill and Southeast Volunteer Fire Departments responded to a residential fire at 77 Hidden Oaks Dr. at 2:56 a.m.

The residence belonged to Pearl River County School District board member Jeremy Weir.

Lee said upon the departments’ arrival, the house was fully involved.

“The fire departments worked hard at trying to extinguish the fire, but due to a lack of a good water supply and the fire having a head start on them, it was to no avail,” Lee said.

Lee said Weir was sleeping and heard the smoke detectors going off. As he opened the door, it was already full of smoke and fire, Lee said.

“It all appears to be accidental and caused by a possible lightning strike,” Lee said.

Pearl River County School District Superintendent Alan Lumpkin said they are working with Weir to assess his needs and assist him and his family in the aftermath of the fire.

At 5:59 a.m., Northeast and Steephollow Volunteer Departments assisted the Poplarville Fire Department in responding to a second structure fire at 828 Old Wiggins Highway in Poplarville, Lee said.

He said the single wood frame structure was vacant at the time of the fire and when the departments arrived on the scene, the fire had progressed through the roof and back wall.

Lee said the occupants were in the process of moving out and another occupant had planned to move in on Saturday.

The fire is still under investigation, but appears to have been caused by the heavy winds during the night, Lee said.

No injuries or deaths were reported as a result of either fire, Lee said.