Freak Lightning Strike Caused Fire That Wrecked Historic Vernon Home

VERNON, CT — A fire that heavily damaged a circa 1900 home in the Rockville section of Vernon earlier this month was caused by a lightning strike as initially feared.

That was the official word from Vernon Fire Marshal Daniel Wasilewski Monday.

Wasilewski said the lighting missed several clusters of large trees and hit the home directly on its second floor. The home has sat in ruins as insurance inspectors assess the total damage, he said.

The fire at 135 Union St. broke out at about 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 13 during a raging rainstorm. The hone is a two-family dwelling constructed in 1900, according to town assessor records.

Heavy smoke blanketed the area and firefighters had to contend with flooded roads, driving rain and high winds to battle the blaze.

Residents of the area were evacuated. In all five people were displaced, police said.

Fire crews from Manchester, Tolland and Ellington were also called to the scene.