Home struck by lightning on Montreal’s North Shore: fire destroyed two residences

A home was struck by lightning and burst into flames on Montreal’s North Shore during a severe thunderstorm Thursday.

Police say they received a 911 call about 4:15 p.m. about a residence getting struck by lightning on des Cerisiers street in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, 47km north of Montreal.

“It was a big boom and in a few seconds, the whole house was on fire. And in a few minutes, a second house, it was two homes on fire,” said Cindy Marcil, the owner of the home that was hit by lightning.

“With the high wind the fire spread to two other homes. Two homes were completely destroyed, and a third was severely damaged,” said Jean-Philippe Labbé with the Régie de Police du Lac des Deux-Montagnes.

Nine people were evacuated and two were treated for smoke inhalation. No one needed to be transported to hospital

“It’s the first time I see that in 22 years of experience, lightning directly striking a house and completely burning a house. It’s giving me the goosebumps just to be here this morning. Everyone has been mobilizing to make sure these families don’t lack anything,” added Labbé.

“I didn’t sleep last night. Yesterday I was totally in shock. I fell to the ground when I saw my house burning, but I’m strong. I need to be strong for my children,” said Marcil sobbing.

Firefighters had difficulty putting out of the blaze. A total of five fire departments had to be called to assist.

Their family dog did not survive the fire.

“He was a really good dog. He has been there for us in every situation. And we lost our cat two weeks ago. And now it’s my dog. So it’s really hard to lose someone that you love very much,” added Marcil’s daughter, Elizabeth McCarthy.

#WATCH: “We don’t know where to go,” says Cindy Marcil, who lost everything in her home, after lightning struck it, setting it on fire Thursday. She says the future is uncertain for her family, as the Red Cross will be helping them for a few days.

READ: https://t.co/WQIc5nPCLK pic.twitter.com/56RhRM2tWp

— Alyssia (@rubertuccinews) June 17, 2022

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The families have now been taken in by the Red Cross and Family and Friends.

A spokesperson from Red Cross Canada said two families could not return to their homes. They were offered support and given food, shelter and clothes.

#WATCH: “First time I see that in 22 years,” says Jean-Philippe Labbé with the Régie de Police du Lac des Deux-Montagnes, of a home going up in flames after being struck by lightning. He says the Ste-Marthe community has banded together.

READ: https://t.co/WQIc5nQaBi pic.twitter.com/0lcaTRK176

— Alyssia (@rubertuccinews) June 17, 2022