Decatur home catches fire after being struck by lightning

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Decatur Fire Department responded to a home after it was struck by lightning Monday morning.

At 8:08 a.m., fire crews arrived at the house located near East Cleveland and South Silas Avenues. They found heavy smoke coming from the attic, as well as fire on the first floor. The homeowner told them that the house had just been struck by lightning, causing the fire.

Some firefighters went into the home to hose down the flames while others worked to ventilate the roof. The fire was brought under control in just over half an hour. To make sure the attic fire was fully extinguished, crews also had to remove an extensive amount of cellulose insulation.

The homeowner was displaced as a result of the incident. The American Red Cross assisted the resident in relocation plans.

An investigation determined that lightning was indeed the cause of the house fire, officials confirmed.

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