Lightning strike ignites fire, destroys building
A lightning strike from thunderstorms Thursday afternoon caused an out–building to burn down in Ishpeming.
The Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department says the fire happened at 257 Hill Street in the rear of a four–unit apartment building just before 6 p.m.
Police say neighbors reported seeing lightning strike a tree next to the out–building. A short time later the building caught fire.
“I had heard the lightning, figuring it was just another thunderstorm,” Jesse Anderson, a neighbor said. “All I can say is a lightning strike shook the whole house. I smelled smoke, I thought it was me so I ran outside and started looking around my house. I immediately saw that (the fire), then ran in and got my cell phone and called 911.”
The fire was under control within five minutes of the fire department’s arrival, but the building was a total loss. Firefighters remained on scene for about an hour putting out hot spots.
No injuries were reported.