Lightning Suspected Of Causing House Fire At Lyman Orchards

MIDDLEFIELD, CT — A lightning strike is believed to be responsible for a small fire at a house on Lyman Orchards property Tuesday, according to fire officials and farm management.

The Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company responded to the scene, at 22 Lyman Road.

Fire Chief Peter Tyc said there was minor fire and smoke damage to the structure, and no one was injured. Tyc said the cause is a “possible lightning strike.”

Town assessor records show the building is owned by The Lyman Farm Inc. and it was built in 1859.

John Lyman, executive vice president, said a lightning strike close to the house sent energy into the electrical lines, causing the fire.

The building was occupied at the time, and a farm superintendent used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out, according to Lyman.

“It could have been a lot worse,” Lyman said. “The employee was able to act quickly. It is an older house, one of the houses here on the farm, and it is fortunate it didn’t have more damage.”