Possible Lightning Strike Causes Industrial Fire

A strong thunderstorm moved through the local area Sunday afternoon bringing heavy rain and intense cloud to ground lightning that is suspected for causing a fire at Executive Wood Products, 230 East Springfield Rd. at 3:51 p.m., August 28.

Sullivan Fire responded to the fire alarm at 3:51 p.m. and found smoke coming from the rear of the building and called for assistance from Bourbon and St. Clair Fire along with Sullivan Police and Missouri Baptist Ambulance.

“When crews first arrived we believed fire was coming from attic area and walls so crews began pulling insulation to try and get to the fire,” said Chief Eric Lewis. “We removed the roof insulation till we got all that had been involved in the fire and some fire in a wall.”

Lewis stated that it appeared as though the building had been struck by lightning near a louvered exhaust fan as you could see charring in a “V” pattern.”

Executive Woods CEO Paul Alexander reported Monday that crews were up and running in the facility and that they did sustain extensive damages.

Other lightning strikes Sunday were believed to have led to power outages in and around the Sullivan area.