A lightning strike is believed to have caused a major house fire near the Wildcat Shoals boat ramp on June 28, according to a report from the Cotter Gassville Rural Fire Department.
Crews were dispatched to 344 County Road 704 in Baxter County during a severe thunderstorm. Neighbors reported seeing lightning hit a tree and then the home. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the roof of a large two-story house.
The fire had spread into concealed attic and wall spaces, making it difficult to access. Firefighters launched an interior attack and worked to prevent the flames from reaching nearby structures, including a detached garage.
Five departments respondedCotter Gassville Rural, Cotter, Gassville, Midway, and Mountain Homebringing a total of 38 personnel and 17 vehicles. A tanker shuttle and portable water tank were set up on site, and about 18,000 to 22,000 gallons of water were used to bring the fire under control.
A rehab unit from the Office of Emergency Management and Baxter Health provided support due to the hot and humid conditions. No injuries were reported.
The fire was contained after an extensive effort, and crews remained on scene for overhaul and to check for hot spots. The incident remains under investigation.
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