No Injuries In Possible Lightning Strike, Fire At Orland Township Home

ORLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — No one was injured after a possible lightning strike and house fire Tuesday evening in unincorporated Orland Township, fire officials said.

A homeowner at the 16500 Block of Lee Avenue in unincorporated Orland Township called 911 to report that he suspected his property may have been struck by lightning, said Orland Fire Protection District Spokesman Ray Hanania.

The homeowner reported some electrical issues during the possible strike, affecting a modem and other electronics in the home, and said he felt that his house shake, but there were no other signs of trouble. The homeowner said he had walked through the house to check all the rooms and attic, but did not see anything out of the ordinary.

The Orland Fire Protection District sent fire trucks to the home immediately for an inspection to ensure the safety of the homeowner and the home, OFPD Fire Chief Mike Schofield said.

Minutes later, the homeowner called 911 again at 10:42 p.m. and reported he had started to smell a heavy odor of smoke.

Schofield said that the response was quickly upgraded to a reported structure fire.

Crews arrived in minutes, and found heavy smoke coming from the eaves in the back of the house. The alarm was elevated to a full still to bring in additional Orland companies as well as mutual aid resources.

Heavy fire was found in the attic, venting out the roof and eves. Companies made an aggressive attack with two handlines and an aerial ladder was used in the rear of the home. Water from the aerial ladder helped bring the fire under control quickly and aid in fire control of the two-story home.

A search revealed the house was unoccupied and the owner and his dog had escaped unharmed. Crews were able to tarp belongings to prevent further water damage.

"It is always better to be safe than sorry and the homeowner did the right thing contacting us. We immediately sent an investigation team including two fire engines and a fire truck to the home even before his second call came in reporting that he had started to smell smoke," said Orland Fire Protection District Chief Michael Schofield.

"The public knows that whenever anything happens, they should contact us immediately, and we will be there to ensure their safety no matter what the circumstances."

The Orland Fire District was assisted in its response by fire districts in Tinley Fire, Mokena Fire, Palos Fire, North Palos, Frankfort. Cook County Sheriff's Police also assisted at the scene.

A lightning strike has not yet been confirmed, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Hanania said. The home is uninhabitable, and the owner is staying with friends.