Lightning Strikes Port Deposit Home

PORT DEPOSIT, MD - Fire broke out in a Port Deposit family's home garage Friday afternoon, as they went about their activities during a thunderstorm in which lightning struck the residence.

According to the fire marshal, the residents had heard a loud crack and noticed the TV flickering but were not aware their home had been hit until the owner's daughter went into the garage at 3:47 p.m. and encountered heavy smoke.

Lightning had hit the interior of the garage, which was attached to the two-story home, the fire marshal reported.

The Water Witch Volunteer Fire Company responded to the 100 block of Rowland Road and put out the blaze in about 15 minutes.

Nobody was injured, and crews were able to contain the fire to the garage.

The fire marshal said the blaze caused an estimated $20,000 in damage - $10,000 in structural damage and $10,000 worth of items lost.

Image via the Office of the State Fire Marshal.