Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue was dispatched to 23955 Fawn Creek Road for a residence that had been struck by lightning. The initial call for service came from a neighbor who had seen and heard the house get struck by lightning. The neighbor indicated that the house did not appear to have active fire but he did smell smoke and charred electrical. Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue went enroute to the scene with the 3 man on-duty engine crew and 2000 gallon Water Tender staffed by two members of the downtown ambulance crew. Additional updates relayed from Routt County Communications via the neighbor who was on scene were that a door had been blown out of its frame, a window had been blow out and that there were multiple outlets and light switches charred throughout the residence. Due to the high probability that there might be active fire in the walls of the residence a mutual aid request was put in for a Fire Engine from West Routt Fire Protection District for additional manpower.
Upon arrival on scene command was initiated by Captain Scott Hetrick of SSFR. An initial entry crew found light smoke in the downstairs and multiple charred electrical outlets and attached electronic equipment in addition to the damage indicated by the neighbor. The entry crew found no evidence of active fire using a thermal imaging camera. Once it was determined that there was no active fire Captain Hetrick cancelled the Engine Company from West Routt Fire Protection District. Crews verified that water, power and gas were shut off to the residence and posed no further risk to the structure.
Damage estimates to the residence remain undetermined dependent upon the extent of electrical damage. Fire Investigation was conducted by Fire Inspector Malchow and a Deputy from the Routt County Sheriff’s Office. Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue would like to remind everyone that storms in the high country are often accompanied by lightning and to seek appropriate shelter during a storm. Secondly, if your house is struck by lightning contact 911 to have your Fire Department ensure that there is no chance of further damage caused by fire to your residence. For further questions please contact Captain Scott Hetrick at 970-879-7170.