No Injuries Reported After Lightning Strike Destroys Laurel Home

Image Courtesy of Delmar Fire Department

LAUREL, Del. – A lightning strike ignited and destroyed a Laurel home on the night of Fourth of July.

Around 10:00 p.m., crews were alerted to a residential structure fire in the 10000 block of Trussum Pond in Laurel. The Laurel Fire Department and assisting mutual aid fire companies arrived on scene to find a two-story house with heavy fire showing from the roof and second floor area.

While the home was occupied and operating at the time of the fire, all occupants were able to escape without injury. There were initial reports of possible additional subjects trapped in the structure; however, it was determined that those residents were not at home at the time of the fire. Authorities say the home was equipped with working smoke detectors at the time of the fire.

Image Courtesy of Delmar Fire Department

Delaware Deputy State Fire Marshals responded to the scene to conduct an origin and cause investigation. The fire was determined to be caused by a lightening strike and ruled accidental in nature.

The Delmar Fire Department says firefighters worked on scene for approximately three hours. The total damage to the house and its contents is estimated to be valued at $400,000.