Chesterfield Condo Struck by Lightning Prompts Fire

A 72-year-old Chesterfield Township man suffered smoke inhalation Thursday night after his condominium unit was struck by lightning and caught fire, firefighters said Friday.

The man, whose name was not released, was treated at a nearby hospital after the blaze at approximately 7:15 p.m. at Concordia Estates in the Gratiot and 26 Mile area, Fire Capt. Walter Wilhelm said.

Lightning had struck a chimney in the ranch condo unit, traveling down the chimney to the basement where flames spread. Firefighters from Chesterfield and other departments, including Harrison and Lenox townships, arrived on the scene, where the fire was in full force. They got it under control in 32 minutes, Wilhelm said.

The estimated amount of damage for the unit has not been determined; however, fire officials say the condo is pretty destroyed. The condo is attached to three other units but no one else was reported harmed.

Lightning touching down in this area is not considered rare, although it often leaves structural holes instead of prompting fires, Wilhelm said.

"I would surmise we get a half of dozen strikes a year in Chesterfield," he said.