SALINE TOWNSHIP, Ill. – The Highland Pierron Fire Department was called around 2:00 a.m. Tuesday morning for a house fire. They noticed a lot of smoke coming from the eves and chimney when they arrived.
The fire was located at on Capilano Street in a subdivision located just outside of the Highland City limits. Fire Chief Phil Decker described the home as “a very large single residence.”
Fire crews noticed a lot of smoke when they went inside. The structure appeared to be compromised and they were worried about a floor collapse. They switched to a defensive-only attack within 20 minutes.
The two adults sleeping in the home heard smoke alarms go off and were able to get out safely. The homeowner tells firefighters that there may have been a lightning strike there during Saturday’s storms.
They noticed that half of their electrical outlets did not work on Sunday. Their main floor felt, “warm to the touch.” An electrician was contacted on Monday but had not yet made it out to the home.
The Illinois State Fire Marshall will be handling the investigation. They are considering the possibility that the cause of the fire may be related to a lightning strike.
There were over 60 firefighters called to the scene. They say that smoke detectors saved the lives of the people sleeping inside the home.