Lightning strikes South Lake Tahoe home, causes small fire; Tree at Emerald Bay also struck

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Firefighters responded to a lightning strike on a South Lake Tahoe home Monday afternoon and were able to quickly extinguish it before any major damage.

Just after 3 p.m. on July 15, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to the home on Jeffery Street near the Tahoe Keys. As a lightning cell passed over South Lake Tahoe, a bolt hit a tree adjacent to the home, and then hit the roof of the home. The homeowners were at home at the time and were able to get out. There were no injuries.

A small fire started on the roof that was quickly extinguished after firefighters cut through the roof. They put out the fire within 20 minutes.

SLTFR PIO Sallie Ross said two engines from SLTFR, one engine from Lake Valley, two battalion chiefs, and a ladder truck all responded and will stay on scene as long as heat is detected.

SLTFR is asking for everyone to stay out of the area.

Also hit by a lightning strike was a tree on lower Emerald Bay Road at approximately 3:18 p.m. A small fire was started and first responders are currently on the scene. There will be traffic control in the area.