Lightning strike blamed for Fond du Lac County house fire

On Monday, August 18, 2025, at approximately 1:14 p.m., the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call from a homeowner at N9995 County Highway G in the Township of Calumet. The caller reported that the residence had been struck by lightning and that a fire had started in the bathroom. The homeowner confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated the residence and that there were no injuries resulting from the lightning strike.

Deputies and local fire departments were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies observed smoke emanating from the roof of the residence. An initial investigation determined that the fire was contained to one corner of the home.

The homeowner, who was present at the time of the incident, reported hearing a loud bang followed by a flickering of the home’s electrical system. Upon further inspection, the homeowner discovered that the bathroom light fixtures were not functioning and noticed smoke coming from a vent in the bathroom.

Based on the investigation and statements provided by the homeowner, it was determined that the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

Fortunately, no injuries to people or animals were reported. County Highway G was temporarily closed between Kiel Road and County Highway Q for approximately one hour to allow emergency personnel to respond to the fire.

The residence sustained minor damage as a result of the fire.

The following agencies responded to the incident, Town of Calumet Fire Department and First Responders, Mt. Calvary Fire Department and EMS, St. Cloud Fire Department, Eden Fire Department, New Holstein Fire Department, Town of Fond du Lac Fire Department, St. Anne Fire Department, Stockbridge Fire Department and First Responders, Chilton Fire Department for RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) and WE energies.