Lightning sparks house fire

Lightning sparked a house fire near the Granville bridge.

 
West Point Fire Chief Gary Cheesman said two people were inside the house at 6845 Navigator Drive when the lightning bolt hit the house or nearby. A thunderstorm moved through the Lafayette area around 11:00 a.m. Monday. "They heard it hit, then noticed smoke," said Cheesman. "Then, the residents opened the basement door and saw flames." He said everyone got out safely.

  West Point firefighters had assistance from Wabash Township and Shadeland. "There was heavy smoke coming from the structure," said Cheesman. "It took us a minute to find where the fire started, but we had it under control in 30 minutes. The fire burned a 4 by 8 area on the first floor."

  Cheesman said one volunteer firefighter was overcome by heat fighting the fire. He was treated at the scene. Cheesman did not release the firefighter's name.

  Damage was contained to the basement and a small area of the living room, but there is smoke damage throughout the house.