Lightning Possibly Responsible for Fire

RADNOR — Police responding to a parked sport utility vehicle smashed by a downed tree branch quickly discovered smoke emanating from the house next door — both possible results of a lightning strike Sunday, officials said.

Radnor Township Assistant Fire Chief Michael Maguire said police were called to a home on the 500 block of West Beechtree Lane shortly before 4 p.m. for a possible lightning strike.

According to Maguire, lightning may have struck a nearby tree and dislodged a large branch that fell onto a Lexus SUV parked in the driveway.

While on the scene, the officers noticed smoke coming from the home next door and called fire officials around 3:54 p.m., Maguire said.

Firefighters entered the home to find heavy smoke coming from the basement.

“The fire originated in the rafters in the basement and extended from the rafters into the walls,” Maguire said.

While the blaze is still under investigation, the fire may have been related to the nearby lightning strike, he said.

Maguire said the owners of the home were out of town, but had been notified of the fire.

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