Lightning Strike Possible Cause of Attic Fire in Wheaton

Officials are investigating a fire to a Wheaton home that may have started from a lightning strike around 5 p.m. Friday, July 13, according to a press release from the Wheaton Fire Department. No one was injured.

Crews from the responded to the call reporting a structure fire at 1598 Friars Court around 5 p.m., where crews found a fire in the attic of the garage, according to the police. Crews distinguished the fire within about 15 minutes.

Everyone in the house evacuated safelyThe house is now uninhabitable.

A preliminary investigation identified that the fire may have been caused by a possible lightening strike during late afternoon thunderstorms. Damage estimates are unavailable at this time.

The City of Wheaton Building Department was called to the scene. The Wheaton Fire Department was also assisted on the scene by the Wheaton Police Department and several fire departments from neighboring communities.