SANBORNTON — A lightning strike on Tuesday led to a fire that caused moderate smoke damage to a local home, but quick action by the homeowner and the presence of working smoke detectors prevented a potential disaster.
Sanbornton Fire & Rescue was dispatched at 1:45 p.m. on April 30 after receiving reports of a lightning strike with smoke in a building on Sanborn Road.
Upon arrival, crews found moderate smoke conditions throughout the house.
The homeowner had used a fire extinguisher upon discovering the fire, which helped keep it in check until fire services arrived.
The occupants were alerted to the danger by the smoke detectors in the home, enabling them to react promptly while the fire was still small.
“This is an important reminder to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors properly located throughout your home and test them monthly, as well as a properly maintained fire extinguisher,” a fire official stated.
The lightning struck a large tree about 15 feet from the corner of the house, with the electrical charge traveling underground to a chain link fence and into the home’s foundation.
The incident serves as a stark example of nature’s destructive power.
The home suffered moderate smoke damage and fire damage to the floor joists at the sill plate of the foundation.
Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately an hour and a half to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and the scene was safe.
Mutual aid was provided by Tilton-Northfield Fire District and City of Franklin Fire Department, with Sanbornton Police Department assisting with traffic control.
No injuries were reported.
