Lightning strikes blamed for Mount Prospect and Des Plaines fires

Lighting strikes are to blame for fires Thursday morning in Mount Prospect and Des Plaines, fire officials said.

Mount Prospect firefighters responding at 10:45 a.m. to a report of a fire at a multifamily home in the 400 block of East Lincoln Street found heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the structure. They were able to bring the fire under control in about 15 minutes, according to the fire department.

The home's occupant was sleeping when the fire started, but was alerted by the sound of smoke alarms and escaped. The occupant was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation and released.

The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage, authorities said.

Firefighters from Elk Grove Village, Elk Grove Township, Arlington Heights and Des Plaines assisted.

In Des Plaines, a power pole next to Columbus Vegetable Oils, 30 E. Oakton St., was struck by lightning about 7:20 a.m., and the energy traveled through the lines and blew apart the company's electrical panel, according to Fire Chief Alan Wax.

There was extensive damage to the electrical panel, but not the building. A giant ventilation fan was used to remove a large amount of smoke throughout the factory. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters from Elk Grove Village assisted.

Mount Prospect Fire Chief John Malcolm urged residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their home and practice their home fire escape plans. The fire department will assist residents who are unable to install or test their smoke alarms. For more information call (847) 818-5253.