COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A fire possibly caused by lightning in west Columbus Monday left three pets dead and severely damaged a home, resulting in what officials called a “total loss.”
The Columbus Division of Fire received a call reporting a two-story fire at the 2900 block of Lake Hollow Road around 12:17 p.m. Battalion Chief Bryan Barnhart said the initial fire seemed to be located in the kitchen and garage areas.
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While working to put out the fire, a firefighter fell through a hole in the floor. He caught himself and crews were able to get him out quickly. He did not suffer any injuries, Barnhart said.
Neighbors reported smoke coming from the eaves of the house. Barnhart said he believes it traveled through the pipes and caught the floor on fire between the basement and first floor, resulting in a hole burned through the floor, according to Barnhart. He believes the initial cause was a lightning strike.
None of the homeowners were home at the time of the fire. Two cats and one dog died…