July 19, 2005

Lightning sparks house fire

       A home in the Highland Park subdivision suffered major damage following a lightning strike and resulting fire early Monday evening.  The home at 2110 Cheviot Court was struck by lightning at 5:52 p.m. during a sudden thunderstorm that rolled through the area.  Upon arrival of the first responding units, the fire had already broken through the roof and was traveling through the attic above the garage.  Although the fire was primarily contained to the attic space, heavy smoke and moderate water damage was evident throughout the three-level structure.  Homeowner Julie Windmiller and her ten-year-old daughter were at home at the time but escaped without injury after the smoke detectors began sounding.  White River firefighters were assisted by Bargersville and New Whiteland Fire Departments at the scene while the Decatur Township and Greenwood Fire Departments provided coverage for other calls.  "Additional manpower is typically called in to incidents like these when weather conditions are extreme," said Fire Marshal Eric Brown when referring to Monday's high heat and humidity conditions.  Thirty-six firefighters and emergency workers worked for a little over two hours at the scene.  A preliminary damage estimate is set at about $150,000.

           

           
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