Lightning strike causes fire

Manistique Public Safety and Volunteer Fire Department Officers were dispatched to a possible structure fire about 10:20 p.m. at 6996 Smith Lake Drive in Manisitque Township.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a large fire burning next to a 500 pound propane tank endangering the adjacent home.

Officers were able to immediately turn off the tank and extinguish the fire without any damage being sustained to the structure, which is owned by William and Linda Clegg of Alpena, Mi.

The investigation determined that the fire was caused by a lightning strike. Police say the lightning struck the ground or a large Maple tree located next to the propane tank. It severed the feed line to the home and ignited a fire which burned underground and eventually spread to the trees next to the tank and home.

The Clegg family was not at the home when the fire erupted. Neighbors called 911, summoning Manistique firefighters.

There were no injuries in the incident and officers were assisted at the scene by the Sault Tribal Police and Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department.