Lightning Strike Damages Purchase Home

A Purchase home was struck by lightning Friday evening, starting at attic fire that will leave a family displaced for at least a few days, officials say.

The homeowners at 1 Augusta Ct. in Purchase were inside when lightning struck the home just before 6 p.m., said Purchase Fire Chief Joseph Brefere Jr. A neighbor who saw the fire knocked on their door and alerted the family after the strike.

"They didn't even know it was on fire," Brefere Jr. said.

The family walked out unharmed.

Firefighters extended a ladder to the roof of the home and contained the fire to the attic, Brefere Jr. said. The flames were extinguished shortly after arrival.

"There was potential for the fire to spread," said Brefere Jr. "We're very fortunate, but everybody is safe and that's all that matters."

Brefere said the damage will keep the family out of the home for at least the next few days.

One Purchase firefighter suffered a minor injury to his leg when he slipped inside the home and received medical treatment.

Firefighters from Purchase, West Harrison and the Town of Mamaroneck responded to the scene.