After possible lightning fire, firefighters talk safety

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- Investigators continue to search for the cause of a fire that burned through a Jessamine County home a night ago. They think they have an idea of what caused it: lightning.

It can happen so fast. Experts say each year lightning strikes 25 million times. That’s just right here in the U.S. Meteorologists say many of those happen as we enter the summer months. And yes, we’re told to go indoors during thunderstorms but what happens when your shelter, gets hit by lightning?

"The homeowner described it as sparks blew out of the electrical outlets where he was sitting in his room when he heard a loud boom," said a captain in Jessamine County, recalling the homeowner’s summary of what happened.

That was in Nicholasville. Again, investigators haven’t officially blamed the fire on lightning.

Surveillance footage from a neighbor shows a bright flash of lightning. Minutes later, smoke billows from the roof before the home bursts into flames and crews arrive on the scene.

"There’s a lot of people in the neighborhood that are praying for this family," said one neighbor.

Those living in the home got out safe but they were doing what they were told; staying inside during a thunderstorm. But experts say it’s more than just that, which keeps you safe.

"A lot of people think because they’re in their home they’re safe from lightning strikes. Actually, lightning can travel through concrete floors, also through water and plumbing and through your electrical outlets so it’s important to avoid water, electronics and concrete," said ABC 36 Storm Team Meteorologist Eric Burke.

If your shelter is struck by lightning, firefighters have advice.

"If you suspect a fire, you’re going to want to call 911 and have the fire department dispatched out immediately. Any electrical problems, again you would want to notify the electric company or contact 911 and let them know that there’s a problem," said Lexington firefighter Jessica Bowman.

Experts also offer the following advice during a thunderstorm:
-Stay off corded phones
-Avoid handling computers ad other electrical equipment including appliances
-Avoid anything connected to metal wires
-Don’t use any type of plumbing
-Keep away from metal surfaces that extend outside
-Don’t use outlets during the storm
-Avoid concrete floors and water, as they are conductors