The lightning strike was probably the reason for the burning of the belfry in the over a century -old church in Minnesota. The incident occurred on Thursday, when storms and downpours passed over the region. This is not the only case of the fire that occurred during violent atmospheric phenomena.
On Thursday, the violent were passing over the minnesota state storms with lightning. The local branch of the National Weather Service (NWS) warned against a hail with the size of golf balls, wind gusts at a speed of over 100 kilometers per hour and intense downpours.
Over a century old church
Firefighters from the city of Saint Paul received a report on Thursday evening. According to witnesses, the historic Evangelical church suddenly stood in flames. When the crews arrived, they saw flames climbing along the church belfry. Initial analysis showed that the fire probably occurred as a result lightning strikes.
After extinguishing the fire, firefighters searched the interior to confirm that everyone left the building safely and assess the scope of damage. Although the fire spared most of the church structure, rainwater pouring through the hole in the roof could be a greater threat. Until the damage caused by the fire and downpour, the building will remain closed, and traffic on the streets adjacent to it – limited.
According to the organization Saint Paul Historical, dealing with the popularization of the city's history, the church building was erected in 1902 and underwent renovation in 2013.
Not the only fire
This is not the only fire that probably occurred as a result of a lightning strike. In the city of Cloquet, the fire brigade was called to fire a family home. Damage to the building and its surroundings indicated that the fire was started as a result of atmospheric relief.
Another fire destroyed several buildings on the recreational facility of Minnesota Renaissance Festival near the city of Shakopee. This also happened during a storm, but the authorities of the facility did not confirm whether the fire occurred after the lightning strike.
Source of the main photo: CNN/st. Paul Fire Department