Resident claims attic fire sparked by lightning strike

The owner of a home located south of Saskatoon is adding up the damage from a fire they believe was caused by Mother Nature.

Saskatoon fire crews received a 911 call Wednesday shortly after 10:30 p.m., from Ashwood Estates south of Grasswood Road. The owner said smoke was coming from the roof after the home was hit by lightning.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the homeowners had safely evacuated with their two dogs. Crews located a small fire in the attic.

The fire was quickly extinguished and crews removed the charred building materials.

There wasn’t any word on a damage estimate and the official cause remains under investigation.

Environment Canada said two separate thunderstorms rolled through the Saskatoon area Wednesday afternoon and overnight which packed intense lightning and heavy rain.

Saskatoon received 27 millimetres of rain.

The weather agency said thunderstorms were possible again Thursday across central and southern Saskatchewan.