Lightning Strike Starts House Fire in Meeker County

MEEKER COUNTY - A lightning strike caused a house fire in Meeker County on Wednesday night.

Authorities responded to the blaze just before 7:30 p.m. in the 18400 block of County Road 15 in Collinwood Township.

The Meeker County Sheriff's Office says lightning struck the chimney of the home, broke the gas line and melted electrical wires, causing the fire.

The fire was contained to the basement and main floor of the house. It caused around $50,000 worth of damage.

The owners of the home are Dean and Debra Danielson, they were not hurt during the incident.

The Dassel Fire Department, Cokato Fire Department and Meeker County Sheriff's Office all responded to the fire.