SALINE COUNTY —Lightning is being blamed for starting two fires on Monday in Salina including a local bank.
Just after midnight on Monday, crews were dispatched to the Bank of Tescott, 600 S. Santa Fe following reports of smoke coming from the roof of the building, according to a media release. Upon arrival, there was no immediately visible fire, however fire crews observed smoke coming from the roof and eaves of the structure.
Firefighters began investigating and determined the fire was located within the attic space. Due to limited access to the attic, crews ultimately had to open the roof from the exterior to reach the seat of the fire.
Once access was gained, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.
At 1:30 a.m., while fire crews were still operating at the Bank of Tescott fire, Salina Fire Department received reports of a second fire at Bachofer Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. on 672 S. 9th Street in Salina.
Part of the crew operating on the Bank of Tescott incident were reassigned to respond to the second fire.
Upon arrival, fire crews found a working fire on the roof of the business Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly.
Damage at this location was primarily limited to the roof with some extension of fire to the interior of the building, as well as water damage extending into the interior of the building.
The cause of both fires is being attributed to lightning strikes associated with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall moving through the Salina area at the time the incidents were reported.
No injuries were reported at the either fire.