(Lake Park)—Lightning has been cited as the cause of two house fires today (Wed.) in Lake Park.
Fire chief Brandon Ehret says the first call came shortly after 8:00 a.m. when Lake Park fire fighters were summoned to the Le Ann Hass residence at 405 East Avenue “D”. Upon arriving firefighters found heavy smoke coming out of the roof vents and visible flames on the west side of the house above the garage. Firefighters extinguished the flames and vented smoke from the home.
Moderate fire and smoke damage was reported to the garage with moderate smoke damage to the house itself.
Numerous birds were rescued from the house.
The occupant got out safely prior to firefighters arriving.
While they were still on the scene of that fire, Ehret says Lake Park firefighters were called to a second house fire at 209 Avenue “C” West.
Upon arriving firefighters found heavy smoke coming around the eves and windows of the house.
The Spirit Lake Fire Department was then called for additional manpower and the use of its aerial truck. Firefighters entered the home and cut holes in the roof . They were able to contain the fire to a kitchen area and two bedrooms above.
Moderate fire damage was reported to the house with major smoke and water damage.
No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported. The home is owned by Jean Turner.
29 firefighters battled that fire.
Ehret credits the good work and cooperation between the departments and other emergency agencies to keep the situation from being much worse.
Dollar estimates of damage to the homes weren’t immediately available.
The Lake Park Fire Department was assisted by the Lake Park Ambulance, Lake Park Police and Dickinson County Emergency Management.
