Lightning strikes large tree; no one injured


July 14, 2012 · Updated 8:04 AM 

KINGSTON – A woman and her young child were forced to leave their home Friday morning after a lightning strike from the morning’s thunderstorms destabilized a huge tree adjacent to their rented mobile home.

North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and Poulsbo Fire Department crews were dispatched to an address off Lindvog Road at about 10:18 a.m. for a possible house fire after a neighbor spotted the tree – less than 10 feet from the home — ablaze. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the tree still burning. They ensured that the occupants were out of the home, set about extinguishing the flames and returned the extra crews to their stations.

The woman and her toddler were sleeping in the home at the time lightning struck the tree. The Douglas fir, measuring more than 100 feet tall, was split nearly in two at its midpoint. Officials, concerned that the weakened tree could topple, asked the woman to remain clear of the structure and the immediate area. For the same reasons, neighbors were also asked to use an alternate route to avoid traveling on the adjacent drive until the property owner can have the problem assessed and corrected.

There was no other damage to the home, and no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

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