Lightning strike causes damage to Victory Twp. home.

HFD Assi. Chief Tom Johnson confers with PM Capt. Dan Marek.

Hamlin firefighter Andy Larr takes a break.

#MasonCountyNews #VictoryTownship

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — Fire caused by a lightning strike caused extensive damage to the residence of Rod and Paddy Baker, 3353 W. Dewey Road, Sunday morning. Paddy Baker said she had just gotten out of bed, around 7:30 a.m., when she heard a loud cracking noise hit her house. “It literally took me off my feet,” she said. “I have never heard such a noise in all of my life. It really scared me.”

Rod was still in bed sleeping and awoke to the sound. “It struck within 10 feet of where I was sleeping,” he said. “It shook the whole house.”
“At first I thought it was a tree that hit the house,” Paddy said. “But, then I looked out the window and I could see smoke and I told Rod, ‘we’re on fire.’”

Rod went outside to investigate and discovered smoke coming from the eaves. Paddy called 911 and they evacuated their house.

“We just got done remodeling the upstairs,” Paddy said. “We remodeled everything including the furniture. Everything up there is brand new. We had just remodeled the main floor six years ago. We’ve been getting the house ready for my retirement.”

Hamlin Township Fire Department and Pere Marquette Township Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. The first Hamlin fire unit on scene reported flames were coming from the roof. The fire departments were able to keep the fire contained and had it extinguished within an hour, according to Tom Johnson, HFD assistant chief.

Ludington Fire Department was called to assist with a water fill site and with air pack refilling.

Several power lines were reported down in the vicinity.

“The good Lord doesn’t give you more than you can take,” Paddy said. “I’m just thankful we’re OK. This can be fixed.”

#MasonCountyPress