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Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Marion home struck by lightning, consumed by fire

A Marion County home was struck by lightning on Wednesday and consumed by flames after the strike spurred a fire in the attic.

At around 3:35 p.m., on Wednesday, March 27, Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a residence located in the 2300 block of NW Buena Vista Road in Dunnellon.

A 911 caller had advised that her attic and roof were on fire, according to MCFR.

Dunnellon house fire caused by lightning strike (3 27 24) photo by MCFR 1
Flames and smoke rising from the Dunnellon home on March 27, 2024. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

When the first MCFR unit arrived on scene, the two-story home was “fully involved in flames.” The blaze was visible on the second floor and roof of the residence.

Dunnellon house fire caused by lightning strike (3 27 24) photo by MCFR 5
Heavy flames at one of the second-story windows. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Additional firefighters soon arrived at the home, and they quickly began combating the flames.

Dunnellon house fire caused by lightning strike (3 27 24) photo by MCFR 2
Multiple MCFR units arrived on scene to assist with extinguishing the blaze. (Marion County Fire Rescue)
Dunnellon house fire caused by lightning strike (3 27 24) photo by MCFR 6
Two firefighters using a hose to blast the exterior of the home with water. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Using multiple hoses, MCFR crews entered the home while launching an aggressive attack on the blaze.

Dunnellon house fire caused by lightning strike (3 27 24) photo by MCFR 4
A closeup of two firefighters battling the house fire on Wednesday afternoon. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

By around 4:45 p.m, firefighters managed to extinguish the flames. According to MCFR, multiple tankers were used to battle the fire, including a tanker that was supplied by Levy County Fire Rescue.

Dunnellon house fire caused by lightning strike (3 27 24) photo by MCFR 7
MCFR stated that the fire was under control by around 4:45 p.m. on March 27, 2024. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

There were no injuries reported. The American Red Cross arrived on scene to assist the family who lost their home.

Dunnellon house fire caused by lightning strike (3 27 24) photo by MCFR 9
No one was injured in the house fire. (Photo: Marion County Fire Rescue)

Due to inclement weather that was moving through the area on Wednesday afternoon, Marion County Fire Rescue determined that a lightning strike caused the fire.