Lightning Strikes Two Homes in Lake Edward Estates

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Published on September 25 2018 9:25 am
Last Updated on September 25 2018 9:29 am
Written by Greg Sapp

(AREA FIREFIGHTERS OUTSIDE THE HOME OF THE JIM ALLRED FAMILY IN LAKE EDWARD ESTATES)

Area firefighters had an early day Tuesday after lightning struck two homes in Lake Edward Estates, northwest of Effingham.

Shumway Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Johnathon Paholke said their first call was at 6:41am to 11310 Lincolnshire Lane and the second call was at 6:53am to 11298 Lake Edward Lane.

The first call was due to a strike that tripped the breakers in the home and also blew the cover off the sprinkler system control panel, but no fire resulted.

The second call was at the home of the Jim Allred family. Allred said outside the home that his daughter told him that lightning went through her room. The lightning appeared to enter the home just above the garage door and cause some fire damage. There was also considerable water damage inside the home. Effingham Assistant Fire Chief Matt Kulesza gave an estimate of $40,000 to $45,000 in damage to the structure.

Jim Zumbahlen of Lustig Custom Cabinets lives near the Allreds. He said the lightning and thunder at the time of the strike "was the loudest I've heard."

Shumway, St. Elmo, Effingham and Altamont firefighters responded to the call at the Allred home, with an assist from the Effingham County Sheriff's Department and AmerenIllinois gas and electric crews. Abbott EMS was on scene and had to take a firefighter to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital after he twisted a knee. Teutopolis and Montrose firefighters responded to the earlier call, and were able to clear the scene once it was determined there was no fire damage. Sigel firefighters also responded but were called off en route to the scene.

Paholke asked us to give a shout out to the dispatch crew on duty at the time of the incidents. He said he told the dispatchers, "Here's what I need, do whatever it takes", and he said they did their job well.