JARRETTSVILLE, Md. — A house fire in Harford County Friday evening was caused by a lightning strike, according to Deputy State Fire Marshals. The blaze resulted in the death of two dogs, though the homeowners were not present at the time and were unharmed.
Emergency crews from the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments responded to the 2300 block of Schuster Road around 6:10 p.m. Firefighters arrived within six minutes to find heavy fire throughout the structure.
Due to the home’s location, multiple water tankers were used in the firefighting effort. Investigators believe the fire started in the attic, an area not protected by the home’s fire sprinkler system, and spread rapidly.
Neighbors reported hearing and feeling a lightning strike around the time the fire began, as severe thunderstorms moved through the area.
Fire officials coordinated with the Harford County Department of Emergency Services to bring in heavy machinery to assist in fully extinguishing the blaze.