Lightning Strike Causes Townhome Blaze In St. Charles: Fire Officials

ST. CHARLES, IL — A lightning strike is believed to be the cause of a fire at a townhome complex in St. Charles Wednesday night.

The blaze broke out at about 7 p.m. in the townhomes located in the 100 block of Birch Lane, according to a news release from the St. Charles Fire Department. Fire crews first at the scene found heavy smoke and flames coming from the attic area at the east end of the building.

The owner of the townhome was not home when the blaze started, and neighbors reported the fire after it had spread to the attic and smoke was spotted pouring out of the building, according to the news release. By that time, the fire had made "extensive headway," fire officials said.

The townhomes had all been evacuated before firefighters arrived, according to the news release.

Two firefighters, but no residents, were injured in the blaze, and the fire caused $700,000 in damages. Fire officials say a lightning strike from severe storms that moved through the area Wednesday night caused the blaze.

The St. Charles Fire Department was assisted at this incident by the St. Charles Police Department and fire departments from Geneva, Batavia, Elburn, West Chicago, South Elgin, North Aurora, Fermi Lab, Burlington, Bartlett and Elgin.