Lightning Strike Starts Attic Fire, Causes $150,000 Damage in St. Charles
One firefighter was injured and a St. Charles home sustained $150,000 damage after lightning struck the home and started an attic fire early today (Thursday, May 12, 2016).
According to the release of from the St. Charles Fire Department, firefighters responded at 1:46 a.m. to a reported house fire located at 907 Fox Chase Court. Firefighters were on the scene at 1:49 a.m., and found a fire that involved the attic and rear of the home.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in about 40 minutes, but remain on the scene as of the writing of this releas,e completing salvage and overhaul and conducting the fire investigation.
The occupants of the home were awakened by the storm that was impacting the area and decided to check their residence. Upon investigation, one of the occupants discovered the fire in the area of the attic and second floor of the house. They exited the home and called 911.
One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was treated on the scene.
St. Charles Fire Department officials said the fire was caused by a lightning strike. The loss is estimated at $150,000 to the structure and contents, and the home is not habitable.
The Red Cross was notified and will be assisting the occupants.
The St. Charles Fire Department was assisted by the Geneva, Batavia, West Chicago and South Elgin Fire Departments on the scene. The Elburn and Fermi Lab Fire Departments covered calls while St. Charles units were at the fire.
SOURCE: St. Charles Fire Department news release
- Editor’s Note: The feature photo is a stock photo of lightning in a residential neighborhood. It is not the home at 907 Fox Chase Court in St. Charles.
