Cary house fire may have started from lightning during storms that pummeled area

A Cary home was uninhabitable following a fire late Thursday that may have been sparked by a lightning strike.

First responders found heavy fire coming from the rear and side of the two-story home when they arrived shortly after 10 p.m. at the 500 block of Surrey Ridge Drive.

Despite heavy downpours and active thunderstorm conditions, firefighters brought the fire under control by approximately 10:30 p.m. Three occupants were home at the time and were able to escape unharmed before first responders arrived. Searches confirmed that no one remained inside the residence.

The Cary Fire Protection District and neighboring departments doused the fire by about 10:30 p.m. while rain, thunder and lightning continued.

Heavy damage to the upper floor and attic left the home uninhabitable. While an investigation into the cause continues, a lightning strike is believed to be the cause.

The blaze was among others reported following two rounds of storms that passed through the McHenry County area Thursday evening.

An earlier system caused a series of trees to fall on road and power lines in the Marengo area. The first night of the Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest in Lake in the Hills was canceled, and early attendees were evacuated.

Another round of scattered storms is expected Friday, mainly between 3 and 11 p.m. They could bring damaging winds, lightning strikes, torrential rainfall and flash flooding, particularly in areas that are already rain-soaked.