Fire after house 'struck by lightning' in Bridgnorth

The fine and sunny weather that had been enjoyed across Shropshire in recent days was interrupted on Monday afternoon (May 12) by a short spell of heavy showers and thunderstorms.

But for one household in Bridgnorth, the passing storm brought with it much more than a damp inconvenience. 

At around 4pm, the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service received a call reporting a house fire on Three Ashes Road. 

Two crews rushed to the scene from Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock fire stations.

Upon arrival, the firefighters found a fire within the roof space that had been "struck by lightning". 

The team, wearing breathing apparatus, put out the fire with two jets and isolated the gas and electrics. 

The stop message, which indicates the scene was under control, was received at 4.47pm.

An update posted by Bridgnorth Fire Station said: "Just after 4pm and in the middle of the thunderstorm we were alerted to a house fire along with our colleagues from Much Wenlock Fire Station.

"On arrival smoke could be seen issuing from the roof of the home.

"Two firefighters in breathing apparatus and with a Hose Reel Jet were quickly sent into the building to locate and control the fire.

"Due to the difficult conditions inside in exposing the fire which was in the construction of the roof, additional wearers were sent into assist.

"Thankfully due to the rapid work undertaken and a quick 999 call the fire was stopped before it took hold and destroyed the whole roof construction.

"The cause was confirmed as a lightning strike, and no one was hurt."