A lightning strike is being blamed for a condominium fire that left one pet dead and caused thousands of dollars in damage.
Firefighters were called to a reported structure fire today and arrived to find heavy fire on the first floor of a two-story condo.
Dispatch information indicated there could be an occupant and a pet trapped inside. When crews arrived, they found the resident safely outside. A pet was later found dead inside the home.
Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames on the first and second floors, preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring units.
Officials said the lightning strike also affected the electrical systems in several nearby condos. Because of that, firefighters spent additional time inspecting multiple units to make sure there were no hidden electrical hazards or signs of fire.
The fire caused an estimated $25,000 in structural damage. Officials said the contents of the affected condo were a total loss.
Fire officials are reminding residents to take lightning strikes seriously. If you believe your home has been struck, make sure your smoke alarms are working and check for unusual smells, sounds or signs of smoke that could indicate an electrical problem. If anything seems out of the ordinary, call 911 so firefighters can safely inspect your home.
This is an ongoing investigation.