Lightning Strike Likely Cause Of House Fire In Cheshire: Officials

CHESHIRE, CT — A lightning strike is believed to have sparked a house fire Friday night in Cheshire, according to the Cheshire Fire Department.

The Cheshire Fire Department responded at about 8:4o p.m. Friday to a reported house fire on Redwood Drive. The initial report indicated people were inside searching for family members, according to fire officials.

When an assistant fire chief arrived, he reported seeing smoke coming from the home and declared a working fire. Firefighters determined all occupants were accounted for.

The fire was reported in multiple locations on the exterior of the home and in the attic, officials said. Crews entered the attic to search for and extinguish the fire while three handlines were deployed to attack fires both inside and outside the home.

Firefighters conducted extensive overhaul operations to make sure the fire had not spread to other areas of the residence. The fire is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike and remains under investigation by the Cheshire Fire Marshal.

No civilians or firefighters were injured.