Lightning Strikes Cause Multiple Fires
By:
PRESS RELEASE- The Duluth Fire Department responded to three separate incidents involving lightning strikes during tonight's thunderstorms.
The first incident at 6124 Greene Street in West Duluth was reported at 20:42 hours.
Upon investigation it was determined that a possible lightning strike in the vicinity of the residence had knocked power out to the home.
A second incident at 1432 E. Superior Street was reported at 2137 hours.
Lightning hit the chimney of a three story apartment building and commercial
business, destroying the chimney and starting a fire in the adjacent roof.
The strike made a large hole in the roof during the height of the downpour, causing extensive water damage throughout the building.
The fire in the roof was quickly extinguished, but firefighters were on scene for some time minimizing water damage and checking for fire extension.
Initial damage estimate is set at $75,000.
At 2155 hours, a third fire was reported at 328 W. Owatonna Street in Woodland.
Crews responded from downtown and found a fire in a second floor bedroom of a single family home.
Lightning had struck the chimney, blowing a large hole in the roof, and starting a fire.
Crews quickly extinguished the blaze and spent considerable time overhauling in the adjacent attic space.
Damage from this incident is estimated at $40,000.
None of the incidents resulted in any injuries.