A lightning strike during Sunday’s thunderstorm caused no
injuries, but has left a Bradford Township family homeless.

Fire Chief Dan Burkhouse of the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire
Department said his crews were called out to 752 South Ave., the
home of John and Connie Schuster, about 3 p.m. Sunday.

Initial reports indicated a “lightning strike with smoke in the
structure.”

“I saw stuff today that I hadn’t seen before,” Burkhouse said as
he explained the effect the lightning strike had on the house.

He said lightning struck an electrical pole in front of the
house, causing high tension lines to come down and make contact
with the wiring going from the house to the garage.

The current of electricity flowed into the house, he said. The
surge energized the electrical system of the house as well as the
water lines, telephone lines and television cable lines, causing
several fires throughout the house.

The main fire was contained in a wall on the first floor,
Burkhouse said, adding there was also fire in a couple of attic
spaces. The lightning strike blew out the copper water lines and
blew holes in the burned aluminum siding around some of the
spigots.

The actual fire damage was structurally light, but there was
heavy damage to the electrical system. The home is uninhabitable,
he said, adding the Schusters are staying with family or
friends.

Bradford Township firefighters were on scene until about 4:45
p.m. with two engines and 16 men. Also responding were an engine
and a crew of five to seven firefighters from Lewis Run.

The Corydon Township and Bradford City fire departments were on
stand-by, and Lafayette Township was on stand-by for Lewis Run.

Penelec and the Bradford Township Police also assisted at the
scene.