Steve Kusterer – LVFC Photo 601 – http://photos.kusterers.net/lcfr

Thursday, May 25, severe storms passed through Leesburg. Shortly after one line of lightning and hail passed, a call was dispatched for a house struck by lightning and the homeowner reporting smoke coming from ceiling light fixtures.

It was a nasty, rainy, stormy night. Wagon (W601), Truck (T601) and Tanker (K601) from Leesburg responded as did units from Arcola. No fire was visible inside or out, but smoke was visible coming from the ceiling light fixtures. The TIC showed heat behind the wall next to the gas fireplace. The wall was opened and a fire was found burning from a ruptured gas line. The lightning had traveled down the brick chimney and followed the gas line that feeds the gas fireplace. Where the gas line bends down a hole was blown in the line and the escaping gas was burning.

Attached are a few pictures. The first two are outside photos and show the weather conditions. The second two are of the fireplace and the gas line feeding it.