SELDEN, NY - During the early morning of August 28th, a nasty lightning storm with heavy downpours blew into town. At approximately 4:00 A.M., lightning struck a home on Parkwood Street, hitting the master bedroom. Luckily, the homeowner had just left the room to go downstairs when the lightning bolt hit, shaking the entire home.

Soon after the strike the homeowner smelled smoke and discovered flames upstairs. She ran from the house and went into her car, honking the horn in hopes to get someone to call 9-1-1.

Selden Fire was alerted moments later and activated the alarm. Under the direction of Department Chief Will Cotty, a working fire was transmitted as the second floor was engulfed in flames, and mutual aid was started from several departments.

Chief Cotty was able to confirm that the occupants were out of the home, but was notified that several cats were still inside. 3rd Assistant Chief Zeis was able to safely remove the cats.

Firefighters went to work and battled the blaze as lightning and heavy rains continued around them. Crews made an aggressive attack and the fire was placed under control about 40 minutes later.