Lightning Starts Oregon House Fire

The Oregon state fire marshal’s office says lightning started the fire that caused $300,000 damage to a home in a gated community at Turner, on the southeast side of Salem.

The fire burned the roof Saturday, and fire and water damage took out the second floor of the two-story home. No one was injured.

Owner Marv Staggs told the Statesman Journal the damage could mean rebuilding from the foundation.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Daniel Jones says lightning struck a tree near the house and jumped to a ground wire that burned into the attic.

This is the second time the property has been struck by lightning. A lightning bolt hit a nearby tree two years ago.