Nisswa home struck by lightning; family safe

NISSWA - John Dieter and his family were forced out of their Nisswa home early Friday morning after lightning struck their property.

The family and their pet dog are safe, said Nisswa Fire Chief Richard Geike. Geike said lightning struck a tree in the yard that ignited a gas line that led to starting the home on fire.

"The fire on the gas line was like a big torch," said Geike. "The family was sleeping, but they woke up from the lightning strike.

"The home is not a total loss, but it has extensive damage. It's not livable."

The fire was reported at 1:23 a.m. at 9989 County Road 127 near Nisswa. Firefighters were at the scene until 5:45 a.m. 5:45 a.m. 5:45 a.m

Brainerd firefighters respond to calls

The Brainerd Fire Department responded at 1:59 a.m. Friday to Bremer Bank, 7558 Design Road, on a report of a tree that was struck by lightning. The tree was destroyed but there was no fire to extinguish.

Firefighters also responded at 2:54 a.m. Friday to Brainerd Carefree Living, 2723 Oak St., and at 5 a.m. Friday to Northern Lights Apartments, 511 D St. N.E., for what turned out to be false alarms.