Lightning strike causes house fire

Firecrews from Brighton, Michigan, were called to a fire after lightning caused severe damage to a home on Monday afternoon. The alarm involved three dozen firefighters and more than a dozen fire engines and tankers attending the scene.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the garage engulfed in flames, which had also spread inside the home. A thermal imaging camera was used to navigate around the home and find hotspots. Once inside, sections of the internal walls had to be demolished to access the hidden flames and extinguish them.

Michael O’Brian, Fire Marshall at Brighton Area Fire Department, said: “It was labor intensive. We’re not sure how it started, but it was reported as a possible lightning strike.”

Resident Brenda Sacco, who was watching television in the house at the time, said she saw a bright light from outside and heard a high pitched noise. 15 minutes later she went upstairs after smelling smoke. She said: “It was floating around the ceiling. I heard water dripping and called my dad.”

Ms. Sacco then called 911 and escaped from the building with her pet dog.

Thermal imaging technology is available from e2v, who has a 30 year heritage in the industry. Further information on the Argus handheld thermal imaging camera from e2v can be found by visiting www.argusdirect.com/fire.