By Emma Bouthillette 

Staff Writer

Lightning in the Kennebunks during a storm July 2 struck a home in Goose Rocks and a community on Christopher Lane in Kennebunk. 

Kennebunkport Fire Chief Paul Moshimer said the department received a call around 9:30 a.m. for a fire at 242 Kings Highway caused by a nearby lightning strike. Three people home at the time got out of the house safely, he said. 

He said the damage to the house was repairable and expected the residents to return home that night. 

In Kennebunk, lightning hit a large pine tree between 12 and 14 Christopher Lane, just off Sea Road. Kennebunk Fire Chief Steve Nichols said the lightning hit the tree, followed the root system to the drainage system at 12 and 14 Christopher Lane, tracked back into the electrical system and tripped the fuse on the telephone pole, causing the whole street to lose power. 

The cellar at 14 Christopher Lane filled with smoke, but Nichols said the smoke was from something overheating, not a fire.

He said the strike damaged the television, computer and dishwasher in the home.  At 12 Christopher Lane, the lightning damaged some of the home’s siding. 

Nichols said people should take shelter and stay away from trees during intense storms that bring thunder and lightning.

He said if a strike hits your home, “get out quickly and call 911.”

Staff writer Emma Bouthillette can be reached at 282-4337 ext. 237.