Lightning Sparks House Fires In Oakdale
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Lightning struck two separate Oakdale residences on Saturday, sparking fires in both.
Oakdale Police said lightning hit the first house, located at 2675 Hillvale Trail North, around 3:20 p.m.
The homeowners were not on the scene, but a neighbor witnessed smoke and flames coming from the upper eaves of the home.
Firefighters extinguished the fire and eventually spoke to the homeowners by phone.
Almost three hours later, another Oakdale residence was struck by lightning within four miles of the first home.
According to authorities, lightning struck the detached garage of 4514 Helmo Place North around 6 p.m.
The homeowner, Anthony Lawrence, was in his basement when he looked outside and noticed smoke pouring from his detached garage.
Firefighters put out the fire, and observed that lightning had struck the north side of the garage roof.
No one was injured, but both properties suffered moderate to significant damage.
