COLUMBUS, Ind. – UPDATE: Columbus Fire Department investigators, after interviewing residents and gathering evidence at the scene, have determined that the fire that occurred at the Stonegate Apartments on Sunday was the result of a lightning strike. Investigators reportedly spent several hours inspecting damages caused by the fire.
The investigation showed that the blaze started in the attic space above the second story living space, causing heavy fire damage to the roof and attic construction. The damage caused portions of the roof to collapse onto the ceiling above the second-floor apartment units.
Original: The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) battled a large fire Sunday evening at The Stonegate Apartments. Firefighters were sent to 380 Wint Lane, just off of South Marr Road, at around 5:45 p.m., and arrived to find flames coming from the roof.
Because of high heat and zero visibility, crews were forced to attack the blaze from the exterior.
No injuries were reported and the cause is not known at this time. CFD investigators are trying to determine if lightning from last evening’s thunderstorms was a factor.
All 12 apartment units sustained some damage, and 18 occupants are now receiving assistance from the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.
