Fire crews have provided updates following two fires caused by lightning at properties in Herefordshire and Shropshire on Monday evening.
In the Bridgnorth area, crews were called to a house fire caused by a thunderstorm and a lightning strike.
A spokesperson for Bridgnorth Fire Station (Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service) said:
“Just after 4pm and in the middle of the thunderstorm we were alerted to a House Fire along with our colleagues from Much Wenlock Fire Station.
“On arrival smoke could be seen issuing from the roof of the home.
“Two firefighters in breathing apparatus and with a Hose Reel Jet were quickly sent into the building to locate and control the fire.
“Due to the difficult conditions inside in exposing the fire which was in the construction of the roof, additional wearers were sent into assist.
“Thankfully due to the rapid work undertaken and a quick 999 call the fire was stopped before it took hold and destroyed the whole roof construction.
“The cause was confirmed as a lightning strike, and no one was hurt.”
Elsewhere, in Hereford, crews were called to a property in the Belmont area of the city, where a lightning strike had hit a garden building.
A spokesperson for Hereford Fire Station (Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service) said:
“The storm was impressive but it didn’t roll over Hereford without leaving its mark!
“Whites and Bravo were mobilised to reports of a tree fire in the Belmont area of the city after being struck by lightning. On arrival the fire had spread to a summer outhouse, logs and nearby sheds.
“The lightning had also affected a BT line, causing telephone points and internet routers inside the property to be blown and damaged.
“The fire was extinguished using a hose reel jet. Crews checked the property and neighbouring homes for any fire spread using a thermal image camera. Utilities were also isolated.
“Pictures used with permission.”
