How Lightning Strikes Can Lead to Fire Hazards During and After Thunderstorms

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Having your home struck by lightning is an extremely frightening thing, but it is something that happens often enough that it is important to know the facts. Lightning strikes the earth around 3 billion times every year, and because it is electrically charged and extremely hot, if it
comes into contact with a building, it can cause serious house fires.

While we do not often think of fires being a result of storm damage, the reality is that lightning makes this a very real possibility that individuals should prepare for.

How Lightning Strikes Can Cause House
Fires

Lightning Strikes Can Lead to Power Surges.

 When lightning strikes a home, it can travel through the electrical wiring within the walls, sending a surge to any electronic device that is plugged in. This can lead to sparks from outlets or appliances that are not routed through surge
protectors, and these sparks can quickly start a fire in the home.

Lightning Strikes Can Ignite Buildings or Trees. 

In addition to being electrically charged, lightning is extremely hot and can ignite flammable materials on impact. Fires can start after lightning strikes the roof of a home, generally beginning in the attic and working its way down the house. Additionally, if lightning strikes a tree, it can catch on fire and spread to homes. If it strikes dry grasses, flames can spread rapidly and create a devastating wildfire that consumes everything in its path.

Lightning Can Do Long-Term Damage to Wiring.

While the above types of fires would be started immediately following a lightning strike, if lightning strikes the home, there can still be unseen damage that can cause a fire
later on. If lightning travels through a home’s wires, it can cause damage such as singeing and fraying that could lead to an electrical fire in the future. These are extremely dangerous as they begin in the walls and can spread rapidly. If your home has been struck by lightning, having
an electrician do an inspection will let you know what your hazard levels are.