TOPEKA —A lightning strike is blamed for a house fire in Topeka.
Just after 5:30a.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to the report of a fire at a home at 7400 SW 22nd Court. Upon arrival, crews found smoke and fire coming from the attic of the two story wood frame duplex structure, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.
A search of the duplex revealed that all occupants on both sides of the structure were able to escape prior to fire department’s arrival.
Firefighters contained the fire to the structure of fire origin with some extension to the adjoining duplex and were able to quickly extinguish the fire.
The preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire was a lighting strike, according to Harrison. The estimated structural damage is listed at $20,000 with an additional $5000.00 in content loss.
Smoke detectors were present but not working within the residence, according to Harrison.