A house in rural Hamilton was severely damaged after being struck by lightning early Thursday morning, according to the Hamilton Fire Department (HFD). The fire broke out just before 7 a.m. at a property on 484 Ofield Rd., near Hwy. 5 in Greensville, about 12 kilometers northwest of Flamborough.
When crews arrived, they found a large one-story home engulfed in smoke and flames, with fire visible through the roof. The situation was quickly escalated to a multiple-alarm response, bringing additional firefighters to the scene. Firefighters worked to suppress the fire using multiple hose lines and deployed an aerial ladder to access the roof and assist in putting out the flames.
Due to the home’s rural location, several tankers were brought in to transport water to the site. Fortunately, all residents had safely evacuated before the firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported.
Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe noted that crews are still working to extinguish lingering hot spots, as the attic and roof have proven particularly difficult to control. Damages are estimated at around $1 million, and the Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified due to the significant loss.