Lightning Sparks Fire at Caribou Family’s Home

A violent thunderstorm that swept through the Caribou area Wednesday triggered a fire that left a family of three homeless.

Caribou Fire Chief Scott Susi said that lightning struck the roof of a home on Scenic Drive late in the day.  The strike shattered the chimney and then entered the attic, sparking a fire. The Caribou Fire Department responded with 22 crew members and were able to contain most on the fire damage to the upper level.

The home owners, Bradley and Amy Bouchard, along with their young son, and a pet cat made it out safely.  The family was able to salvage most of their personal items.  Even so, Chief Susi believed the home would be written off as a complete loss.

The local chapter of the American Red Cross was notified and the family is temporarily staying with friends. The Presque Isle Fire Department provided mutual aid.