Lightning strike probable cause of Vernon Hills fire

A fire on the roof of a Vernon Hills house Sunday morning was likely caused by a lightning strike, fire officials said.

Fire crews were called to the 1700 block of Sawgrass Street about 9 a.m., shortly after a thunderstorm passed, according to a news release from the Countryside Fire Protection District. A passer-by noticed the fire on the roof, called 911 and alerted the residents of the home.

When firefighters arrived, all occupants were out of the house, and fire crews were able to control the fire quickly, authorities said.

Nobody was injured, though the fire caused roughly $30,000 in damage, Battalion Chief Brian Garrity said.