Lightning Blamed for Two Commercial Fires in Downtown Salina During Storms

The Salina Fire Department responded to two separate commercial structure fires within blocks of each other during thunderstorms early Monday morning.

The first call came at approximately 12:45 a.m. Monday, May 18, when firefighters were dispatched to the Bank of Tescott at 600 S. Santa Fe for reports of smoke coming from the roof.

When crews arrived, no flames were immediately visible, but firefighters observed smoke coming from the roof and eaves of the building. Crews investigated and determined the fire was located in the attic space.

Because access to the attic was limited, firefighters had to open the roof from the exterior to reach the fire. Once access was gained, crews were able to quickly extinguish it.

A second fire was reported at approximately 1:30 a.m. while crews were still working the Santa Fe incident. The Salina Fire Department received reports of another fire in the 600 block of S. 9th Street, and part of the crew from the first fire was reassigned to respond.

At 672 S. 9th Street, firefighters found a working fire on the roof of the business. Crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly.

Damage at the 9th Street location was primarily limited to the roof, though officials said there was some fire extension into the building, along with water damage inside.

The cause of both fires is being attributed to lightning strikes associated with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall moving through Salina at the time.

Both properties were turned back over to the owner-occupants.