Lightning Strike Starts Fire, Damages House in Geneva

Lightning Strike Starts Fire, Damages House in Geneva

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

No one was injured after a house was damaged by fire Saturday, May 12, at 726 Fox Run Dr. on Geneva’s east side.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

The Geneva Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1:47 p.m. after the homeowner called 911 to report a lightning strike to the roof with a possible fire on the second floor.

As the first units arrived on the scene, heavy fire was showing from the roof. The initial response was immediately elevated to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System first?level box alarm for additional manpower, equipment and resources.

Firefighters initiated an interior attack and brought the fire under control in 45 minutes.

The preliminary cause of the fire is a lightning strike to the roof which will need to be fixed by a roofing contractor. The home sustained significant fire damage in the attic and smoke and water damage throughout the structure.

Damage estimates still are being compiled, but the house has been deemed uninhabitable at this time.

Firefighters from Batavia, St. Charles, Elburn, West Chicago, Fermilab and the North Aurora fire departments assisted Geneva at the scene. The South Elgin and Winfield fire departments filled in the Geneva fire stations during the call.

Additional support was provided by the Geneva Emergency Management Agency, Geneva Police Department and the Geneva Electric Department.

SOURCE: Geneva Fire Department news release