Lightning strike causes Stafford apartment fire
Lightning struck a Stafford County apartment yesterday, starting a fire that left its occupant homeless but uninjured.
Dispatchers received the call at 3:51 p.m. for the fire at Courthouse Square. Units from several fire companies and a rescue squad responded within minutes.
Because of the holiday weekend, several units were staffed and nearby at the time, said Lt. Charlie Robertson.
It took 20 minutes to contain the blaze, but firefighters' quick response helped avert major damage to the apartment, Robertson said.
"It was caught while it was still spreading from the first unit," he said. "It had not gotten through the interior walls yet except at the sockets."
Water and smoke damaged the apartments above and below the unit.
One person and a dog lived in the apartment that burned. The fire marshal has notified the Red Cross of the incident, Robertson said.
"I believe they're gonna take care of the occupant."
--Ben Sellers