Germantown natural gas leak, fire caused by multiple lightning strikes
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GERMANTOWN, Wis. - The Germantown Fire Department says multiple lightning strikes caused a gas leak and a structure fire on Monday, July 15.
It happened around 10 p.m. near Starlight Road and Pilgrim Road.
Crews were dispatched to the scene for reports of a tree that was on fire after being struck by lightning. When officials arrived at the scene, the tree had been extinguished by a neighbor.
Fire crews noted that there was a strong natural gas odor and the ground near the tree was erupting with natural gas.
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Germantown fire crews were unable to shut off the gas as it was underground. While on scene, a neighbor advised fire officials that a nearby residence was on fire. A gas meter that was next to the residence had blown apart and caught on fire – and was traveling to the eaves of the structure.
Several residences in the area were evacuated out of precaution.