COLUMBUS, Ind. — A lightning strike sent Columbus firefighters to a house in the 300 block of Sunset Drive at 7:38 a.m., Wednesday. They found no flames, but did locate charring on an interior garage wall. Columbus Fire Department personnel assessed the home and determined there was no active fire.
The homeowner told investigators that around 7 a.m. there was a bright flash and a loud boom. A call for help was made after the smell of smoke was detected. Investigators traced the smoke odor to an electric fence control panel mounted on the outside of the home. Firefighters then deployed a thermal imaging camera to scan the home for possible fire, but none was found. As the investigation of the scene widened, a damaged post on the back deck was found with a small crater below it.
Damage to the deck was estimated at $500. The extent of damage to the electrical system could not be determined. No injuries were reported.
