Cardinal Elementary in Richmond struck by lightning, classes canceled due to damage

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — School is out for Cardinal Elementary School students on Tuesday after the Richmond school was struck by lightning Monday night, causing the roof to catch fire.

Jason Kamras, Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools, posted about the fire on X , formerly known as Twitter.

According to Kamras, lightning struck the roof of the school the evening of Monday, Aug. 26, causing a small fire.

The Richmond Fire Department responded to Cardinal Elementary, located at 1745 Catalina Dr., at 6:54 p.m. — meaning this incident took place within the same 20 minutes as two Chesterfield homes that were also struck by lightning Monday evening.

After they arrived at the school, Richmond firefighters quickly put out the flames. A total of 15 units and 68 personnel were involved in the effort, according to the department.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire. According to a press release from the school division, no one was on-site at the time of the strike.

However, due to what Kamras called “significant water damage” on the second floor of the school, classes were canceled for Tuesday, Aug. 27. In a department press release, fire officials said the full extent of the damage to the school is “still unknown.”

Kamras said additional updates on this incident would be provided Tuesday. The school division shared a similar message.

“The Cardinal community will be updated Tuesday on the building’s status for Wednesday,” the school district said. “RPS is grateful for the quick actions of fire responders to contain damage.”

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney shared the following statement Monday night in the wake of the fire.

“My team is monitoring and assessing the damage from this evening’s fire at Cardinal Elementary School. I am grateful that no one was injured and for the Richmond Fire Department’s quick actions to control the fire, and limit the damage. My administration will work closely with RPS and Superintendent Kamras to quickly support the fix and investigate the cause of the fire.”

Office of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney

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