Fire damages rural home
Fire cam spares more damage
Lightning struck the home of Rex Siebert, 1667 190th Road, Thursday afternoon which caused electrical wiring to a clothes dryer to catch fire.
According to Marion Fire Chief Mike Regnier, the fire department was summoned to the Siebert residence during a severe rain storm at 4:45 p.m. with a report of smoke in the house.
When firefighters arrived, they could see smoke but could not determine the location of the fire. Hillsboro Fire Department was contacted and the department brought a thermal-imaging camera which was used to locate the origin of the fire.
Instead of knocking out walls and causing more damage than necessary to find the fire, it was located and extinguished with only minor damage.
Regnier said he would like to have a thermal-imaging camera for his department, adding, "It would be a big help."
No damage estimate was known at press time and the Sieberts were able to remain in the house.
Firefighters remained on the scene until 7:30 p.m., said Regnier.
