WLDS/WEAI News has obtained more details on one of the fires that started in Jacksonville Saturday morning.
Jacksonville Fire Captain Mike Griffits says a single engine was dispatched to 26 Ivywood Drive at around 4:33 a.m.
According to Griffits, lightning struck a tree on the property, which was located near a gas line.
“Upon arrival they found three spots of fire burning, approximately four feet in the air at the base of the tree. It was isolated in that spot and burning, which is actually a good thing. If it wasn’t burning then that means gas would be protruding into the atmosphere. Ameren was dispatched and, upon arrival, they isolated the problem,” says Griffits.
Owner Joe Tobin was the only person in the house and got out safely.
Jacksonville Fire crews were on scene for two-and-a-half hours.