Golden Ave. Home Reportedly Hit By Lightning Saturday

The lightning show over Medford Saturday night hit a little too close to home on Golden Avenue.

In fact, it hit a home.

At about 10 p.m. last night, the Medford Fire Department was called to 54 Golden Ave., where a home had reportedly been hit by lightning near the electrical service on the second floor, Deputy Chief Patrick Ripley said.

Fire crews used thermal imaging to check the house for any sign of fire, and it was deemed clear. It will be up to the homeowner to sort out the electrical issues, Ripley said.

"Usually when lightning strikes we'll check the whole house," Ripley said. "Apparently, they were satisfied it hadn't gotten anywhere else."

Lightning striking homes is somewhat common in the late spring and summer, but is unusual for winter, Ripley said.

Thunder and lightning could be seen and heard between about 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. during Saturday night's winter rain storm.