Stafford Home Damaged by Lightning

At approximately 6:40 p.m. on Friday, August 13th, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded for a reported structure fire in the 00 block of Rivergate Drive near the Rappahannock River. Due to the distance to the location, first arriving units arrived on scene less than fifteen minutes after dispatch and reported light smoke coming from a portion of the roof a single-family residence. Further investigation revealed the home had been struck by lightning, which caused charring to some of the roof trusses and damage to wiring in the attic, causing moderate damage to the home.

All occupants self-evacuated prior to the arrival of units and none reported injuries. Two occupants were temporarily displaced as a result, but denied assistance of the American Red Cross.

SCFR units were assisted on scene by the Fredericksburg Fire Department, Quantico Fire and Emergency Services and Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue. The Stafford County Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire to have been caused by lightning.