CLARKSTON, Wash. – Asotin County and Lewiston firefighters extinguished a house fire caused by a lightning strike.
According to Asotin County Fire District 1, on Aug. 12 at 7:30 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a home on 19th Street that had been struck by lightning. When the fire crew arrived, they found the shingles on the roof burning and smoke emerging from the gable ends.
Firefighters managed to access the fire by cutting a hole just below the roofline. Although the fire had spread to the attic, the crew was able to extinguish it before it could spread further.
“While lightning fires are common in wildland areas at this time of year, it is unusual for lightning to ignite a home. Quick detection and reporting allowed fire crews to respond swiftly and control the fire,” said Fire Chief Noel Hardin.
The fire was contained to a small area of the roof and attic, and no injuries were reported. The City of Lewiston Fire Department also assisted in the response.
