Lightning started a fire early this morning that caused extensive damage to the basement of a rural Ark City home.
Around 3:30 a.m., fire crews were called to a residence in the 10300 block of 282nd Rd. Lightning from storms overnight had struck the basement area. Smoke detectors sounded and alerted the family, who were able to escape safely
Fire spread to a void space in the home and flames made their way into the first floor to some extent, according to Ark City Fire Chief Bobby Wolfe. Damage to structure is estimated at $40,000 and contents damage was estimated at $5,000.
Wolfe said the fire shows the importance of properly working smoke detectors in a home. He also said quick action by the homeowner, who slammed the door to the basement, likely kept the home from burning down.
Through a post on Facebook, Darrin Green, who runs Double Eagle Pawn in Ark City, said the fire occurred at the home of his family. He credited smoke detectors with allowing everyone to exit safely.
A traffic light at Maple and Summit was also damaged by lightning and was temporarily inoperable. It has since been put back into operation, city officials said.
Editor’s note: Brett Coplen contributed to this report.
