Solon Home Struck By Lightning, Garage Catches On Fire

A home on Fox Hill Drive in Hunt Club caught on fire after it was struck by lightning on Wednesday.

No one suffered any major injuries. One resident suffered a minor injury from debris, but declined treatment from paramedics.

Fire Chief William Shaw said that the residents of 7042 Fox Hill Drive reported at 5:13 p.m. Wednesday that their home had been struck by lighting and was on fire.

Shaw said the garage was burning when firefighters arrived. The fire was out in about 30 minutes.

"Due to the large volume of fire, our first-in personnel made the right call by using a larger hose line," Sha said. "That decision certainly helped limit the fire damage to the garage."

Residents told fire investigators that before the fire they saw a bright light followed by an "explosion" that caused electical outlets in the home blow out of the walls. A neighboring home also experienced electrical problems after the lighting strike.

Investigators are confident that lighting caused the fire, Shaw said.

In addition to the contents of the garage being destroyed, which included a classic car, two other cars in the driveway were also damaged by the intense heat.  Estimated damage to the home and the vehicles is $215,000.

13 Solon firefighters responded from all three fire stations and were assisted by four firefighters from Twinsburg Fire Department and the Solon Police Department.