Lightning strike sparks house fire
A lightning strike was believed to have sparked a house fire that damaged the home of Christian Sanders north of Iola Tuesday.
The lightning bolt struck a propane tank behind the home near the intersection of West Virginia Road and 2200 Street. The electrical current traveled along the gas line and ignited a fire in the home’s back porch.
Crews from the LaHarpe Rural Fire Department, Iola Fire Department and volunteers from other area departments were able to keep the fire contained to the back porch, although extensive smoke damage was reported.
Nobody was home at the time of the fire, reported Pam Beasley, Allen County emergency management director.
Two small dogs were kept in a kennel inside the home. The animals were unresponsive when firefighters arrived.
Christian Sanders is the son of Eric Sanders, Beasley’s fiance. She and Eric Sanders retrieved the two dogs — both were given oxygen — and took the animals to Darrell Monfort’s veterinary business in Iola.
The quick thinking helped. Both dogs were expected to make a full recovery.
Christian Sanders lived at the home with his fiancee, Tylr Morris, and another friend, Josh Blazek.
