By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
A home northwest of Hays suffered significant damage when it was struck by lightning early Monday morning.
Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers said crews were called to 380th and Fairground Road just after 7:30 a.m. for the report of a fire.
When crews arrived on scene, they did not find any smoke but the home had suffered a direct lightning strike.
Myers said lightning hit the chimney and caused a hole in the roof. The electric current that traveled through the house blew light plate, vent covers and cable covers off throughout the house, according to Myers.
Crews were able to help the homeowner get tarps in place to help avoid any further water intrusion.
Western Electric Cooperative was on scene and helped turn off power to the farm until an electrician was able to arrive.
Myers said crews were on scene until 9:15 a.m.
The Ellis County Fire Department, Hays and Ellis city fire departments, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and Ellis County EMS responded to the scene.