The Geneva Fire Department believes a lightning strike ignited a fire that significantly damaged a home May 12 at 726 Fox Run Drive on the City's east side.

Firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 1:47 p.m. after the homeowner called 911 to report a lightning strike to the roof with a possible fire on the second floor. As the first units arrived on the scene, heavy fire was showing from the roof. The initial response was immediately elevated to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) first‐level box alarm for additional manpower, equipment and resources.

Firefighters initiated an interior attack and brought the fire under control in 45 minutes.

The preliminary cause of the fire is a lightning strike to the roof. The home sustained significant fire damage in the attic and smoke and water damage throughout the structure. Damage estimates still are being compiled, but the house has been deemed uninhabitable at this time.

Firefighters from Batavia, St. Charles, Elburn, West Chicago, Fermilab and the North Aurora fire departments assisted Geneva at the scene. The South Elgin and Winfield fire departments filled in the Geneva fire stations during the call.

Additional support was provided by the Geneva Emergency Management Agency, Geneva Police Department and the Geneva Public Works Electric Division.