August 10, 2006

Storms cause damage

       A severe thunderstorm that came through northern Johnson County earlier today caused several simultaneous calls to come into the White River Township Fire Department.  Two of the calls were in the same subdivision for reported house fires from lightning strikes.  Two separate box alarms that included two engines from the Greenwood Fire Department were sent to the Auburn Trace subdivision to investigate.  The first arriving crew at the first home discovered no fire after examining the structure with the homeowner.  Crews arriving at the second scene found fire coming from the roof of a two-story home just a few houses away from the first incident.  After finishing the investigation on the first home, crews that were assigned there responded to assist on the fire in the second residence.

         After making access through a second-story attic access, the fire was quickly extinguished.  One firefighter was slightly injured but was treated and released at the scene.  The homeowner was also examined by paramedics after feeling ill following the incident but later released.  "Quick access by the crew confined the fire to the attic area minimizing any further damage to the home", said Battalion Chief Carey Slauter who was in charge of the incident.  "Fortunately, the family was home and noticed the fire soon after it started, resulting in a quick response time", he added.

         Damage estimates were unavailable at press time and the cause of the fire was officially determined to be from a lightning strike to the exterior of the home.  The family will be staying with relatives until the house is repaired.
 

           
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