Lightning strikes caused several fires at homes in Hamilton County as a storm passed through on Monday afternoon. However, there were no injuries reported.
At 3 p.m., a large thunderstorm and ground lightning hit several areas of the county.
At 3:05 p.m., lightning struck a house at 4102 Wilson Ave. on Walden's Ridge. Walden's Ridge Emergency Services responded and confirmed smoke showing, but no significant fire.
At the same time, the Signal Mountain Fire Department responded to another lightning strike located at 4460 Shackleford Ridge Road. There was a small amount of fire showing in the interior of the house, but it was quickly extinguished .
At 3:35 p.m., another 911 call was received of a lightning strike at 6337 Old Dayton Pike in the Hixson area. The Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department responded and arrived to find a tree down in front of the residence and smoke in the garage. Chief Marcus Fritts said lightning struck the tree, which hit the power lines and proceeded to run into the home. Damage is estimated at $4,000.
At 3:45 p.m., another lightning strike on a home was reported by a neighbor who witnessed the strike. This time, the location was the Ooltewah area at 8718 Cody Dan Court. Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department responded and found heavy smoke coming from the eaves. Firefighters extinguished the fire quickly, containing it to the attic. Damages were estimated at $125,000.
The owner, Natasha Chayka, is on vacation and no one was home at the time of the incident. Ms. Chayka was insured.