A lightning strike ignited a house fire in Waterloo on Wednesday night, causing significant damage but no injuries, according to Seneca County Sheriff Tim Thompson.
At 9:40 p.m., the Seneca County 911 Center received a call reporting a residential structure fire at 55 Border City Road. Fire crews from the Border City Fire Department, with assistance from the Waterloo and Geneva Fire Departments, responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered smoke billowing from the roof and the second story of the residence. They quickly checked for fire extension in the walls and ceiling before bringing the blaze under control. Investigators from the Seneca County and New York State Fire Investigation Teams later determined that the fire was caused by a lightning strike.
To aid firefighting efforts, the Finger Lakes Railway was notified to halt inbound trains in the area due to hose lines obstructing the tracks. Border City Road was also closed at multiple intersections for about two and a half hours while crews worked.
While no one was hurt in the incident, the home sustained heavy fire and overhaul damage. The Red Cross was requested to assist, but the homeowners made their own arrangements for accommodations.
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