Retirement home evacuated after lightning strike

LOGAN (AP) — A retirement home was evacuated Friday night after lightning struck the building and started a smoldering fire.

Firefighters were able to limit the damage to smoke and some charring at the Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center. About 50 residents were led out of the building. Two minor injuries were reported.

"Most of them were in the dining area having dinner, so that made it somewhat easier," Logan Fire Marshal Liz Hunsaker said. "But some were eating in their rooms, so that made it a little more difficult."

Hunsaker says lightning hit the top of the building during a heavy storm. Smoke was seen coming out of the attic vents, but no actual flames were spotted. There was also charring in the insulation and roofing material.

Firefighters cut ventilation holes in the roof to vent the smoke as they removed the burned material. Hunsaker said the last major crews left the scene after 9 p.m.

Hunsaker said initial damage estimates were between $25,000 and $50,000, although the amount could increase because of electrical damage in the building.

Five fire engines and 50 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire.