Lightning strike sparks attic fire in south Lincoln, causes $50,000 worth of damage

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A south Lincoln home caught fire Thursday morning when it was struck by lightning, officials say.

Shortly before 12:30 a.m., Lincoln Fire & Rescue responded to a house on San Mateo Lane near 40th Street and Yankee Hill Road.

When crews arrived, they saw smoke coming from the roof and found a small fire in the attic, according to Battalion Chief Bob Watton.

Firefighters contained the flames “in a quick fashion,” Watton said.

Everyone in the house made it out safely, LFR said.

A spokeswoman with LFR said the homeowners will be displaced until the electrical panel can be checked by an electrician.

LFR said there was about $50,000 worth of damage, mostly due to water despite attempts to protect the home.