Can Lightning Cause a House Fire?

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

We've discussed safety precautions to take in the summer months like grilling, which we’ve talked about here, but have you considered that your home could be struck by lightning during those summer storms and cause a fire? It is rare- but it happens, and you should be prepared if it does. 

If you suspect that your home has been struck by lightning, we recommend calling the fire department to complete a full inspection of your home. The most common place for a fire to ignite is in the attic, when a lighting bolt comes through the roof or top of the house. However, the heat from the electricity of a lightning bolt can run through the walls inside your plumbing or wiring and could start a fire as well. You may notice it immediately, or it may burn slowly inside the walls without your realizing it for some time. 

One way to prevent your home from being struck by lightning and causing a fire is to install a lightning protection system on the roof of your home. These protection systems are long rods along your roof that are connected to copper wires running into the ground beside your home. They help disperse the lightning away from your home to prevent causing a fire. 

You may think it will never happen to you, but I have been in a house that was struck by lightning. It is not as rare as you may think! We are always Here to Help in the event that your home is struck by lightning and causes fire damage. Call us today at (423) 614-5552.