Frankfort Home Damaged By Fire After Lightning Strike: Fire District

FRANKFORT, IL — A lightning strike hit a Frankfort home on Monday, causing a fire, the Frankfort Fire Protection District said.

At 7:06 p.m. on Monday, the district was called to Eagle Bluff Court for a reported structure fire. Multiple callers reported fire and smoke coming from the roof of the home after a storm moved through the area.

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Fire crews arrived and found fire showing from the roof, in the area of the chimney, according to the fire district. The lone occupant, a juvenile who was home at the time, had evacuated on his own before crews arrived.

The fire was brought under control, and no injuries were reported, the fire district said.

Officials said firefighters did "extensive overhaul" on the second floor, including in concealed spaces to confirm the fire had not extended. The fire district said the home had fire damage to the roof and second floor, as well as water and overhaul damage throughout the home.

The cause of the fire was a lightning strike to the chimney, which ignited combustible building materials, according to the district.

A lightning strike can ignite a fire inside an attic, wall or other concealed space with no immediate smoke or flame showing, the fire district said. Residents should get out of their home and call 911 if their home is struck by lightning, even if nothing appears to be burning.