Lightning strikes tree, causes fire near 86th & Townsend

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A residence caught fire early Saturday morning, June 22 in the 3400 block of N. 86th Street after lightning struck a tree.

According to officials, the strike charged and ruptured a gas line, causing a nearby residence to catch fire. Officials say the fire was quickly extinguished.

Three people were displaced as a result of the fire.

Due to the gas leak, the Milwaukee Fire Department ordered an evacuation from N. 86th Street to N. 87th Street, and  W. Lisbon Avenue to W. Townsend Avenue. The Milwaukee Fire Department is working to shut off the gas.

The fire caused the building an estimated $3,500 in damage. There are no reports of injuries.