The early-morning Wednesday house fire in Grant was caused by a lightning strike, according to Mahtomedi Fire Department Chief Terry Fischer. There were no alleged injuries in the event.
Fischer said the house is a total loss.
A neighbor in the 11000 block of Great Oak Trail North contacted 911 shortly after 1:00 a.m. to report hearing a lightning strike and then smelling gas strongly.
While the home was on fire, deputies arrived on the scene. Two residents of the home made it outside without incident with their pets.
Water had to be transported in by a tanker shuttle since the house was situated in a neighborhood without fire hydrants. As of 11 a.m., crews were still working to put out the fire.
