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"Investigators believe lightning may be to blame for a Liberty Township house fire.\u00A0The home in the 6800 block of Stillington Drive\u00A0is believed to be a total loss, but no injuries were reported.\u00A0Images: Liberty Twp. house fireThe home suffered heavy damage to the roof and second floor.Homeowner Alan\u00A0Ferrenberg said it felt like he and his family had a lot of time to get out of their home but in reality it was only 10 minutes from when lightning hit their home to when a big chunk of the roof was in flames. The Ferrenbergs were counting their blessings as they looked at what's left of their home.\u201CEveryone's doing fine physically, a little stunned, a little shocked. It will be a while before everything really sinks in for us\u201D said Alan Ferrenberg.The Ferrenbergs were in the house with their 23-year-old daughter along with their five cats and one dog.\u201CPretty loud lightning (was) getting closer. About 1:30 a.m. there was one that felt like it was right on top of us that shook the whole house and that knocked out the power, set off the fire alarms and when we went out we could smell some smoke,\u201D Alan said.The\u00A0Ferrenbergs said they were just happy everyone made it out and they are thankful for the support they are receiving from neighbors, friends and family.\u201CIt's just pouring out all over, it's incredible, it\u2019s really helping us get through it.\u201D Alan said.The township's fire department typically responds to eight to 10 lightning strikes during each severe storm.\u00A0\"It's a very small portion that actually result in structure fires,\" said Chief Paul Stumpf.\u00A0The lightning appeared to strike the roof, which allowed the fire to get an advanced start in the attic.The Liberty Township Fire Department also recommends taking precautions, like installing lightning rods, in case lightning strikes.\u201CWhen lightning strikes, it's going to pick its own path,\u201D Stumpf said."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wlwt.com/article/lightning-blamed-for-liberty-twp-house-fire-3/3531303>