Lightning strike likely cause of house fire; residents unharmed
PERRY TOWNSHIP — Firefighters responded to 1280 N. Union Ave. at 12:54 p.m. Saturday where an apparent lightning strike caused a fire.
Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Smith said no one was injured and heavy smoke filled the two-story residence where the fire started in a bedroom. He said the residents were outside when firefighters arrived.
According to Columbiana County Auditor records the house is owned by Paul T. Corso.
Smith said firefighters ran 200 feet of hose to the southeast corner the house and commended the resident for shutting the bedroom door which helped keep the fire down.
Smoke detectors were going off. There was smoke damage, mostly to the second floor. Smith said they took out a couple of windows to help ventilate the house which was insured.
Smith said firefighters monitored carbon monoxide gas until it reached zero and Ohio Edison was advised.
Perry firefighters responded with two engines, one tanker and a rescue truck and the Green Township Fire Department responded for mutual aid.
As Perry firefighters were clearing the scene, a call was received for smoke at Adele’s Place, 509 Snyder Road, from a person in the field behind the restaurant, reporting smoke from a vent stack on the restaurant.
Two engines responded and Smith said when firefighters arrived there was no smoke.
The furnace and hot water vent were monitored and the building was checked for gas leaks and gas was shut off to one stove.
The key holder responded and firefighters cleared the scene at about 4:40 p.m.
lshields@salemnews.net