On April 4, 2008 the Bella Vista Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Lambeth Cr.  Upon arrival, heavy smoke and fire was found in the both the basement and attic.  This fire was reported to have been stated by a lightning strike.

The photo below shows where the lightning struck the underground propane tank.

The lightning also damaged the copper tubing leading into the structure.

Here (below) you can see where the lightning current arced at the extension dome.

It is believed that the lightning strike traveled along the propane line to the heating unit inside the home.

Below you can see where the propane line was severed and "blown" loose, allowing the propane to vent freely and fuel the fire.  The propane was turned off upon the arrival of the Fire Department.

This fire was brought under control in approximately 36 minutes with no injuries. (During this fire, there were 3 ambulance runs which decreased staffing to fight the fire.)

It's a good practice to have your home checked after a suspected lightning strike of your home as some important systems may be damaged, and can result in a fire.  If during a storm your home is struck by lightning and there is any concern of fire or smoke, please call 911 immediately and vacate all of the occupants of your residence to a safe location away from the home.