Severe thunderstorms that rolled through Woodbury today are believed to be the cause of two house fires. No one was injured but both homes sustained significant damage.
The Woodbury Fire Department responded to one fire in the 7000 block of Somerset Court and another in the 10000 block of Water Lily Lane. “Heavy smoke visible from roof and exterior upper level upon arrival to both homes,” Fire Chief Chris Klein said in an email. “Significant roof damage and upper level interior ceiling fire damage. Both homes are not habitable currently.”
The fires are still being investigated but neither is regarded as suspicious. They “look to be caused by the significant lightning activity during the early evening storms,” Klein said.
The Woodbury Fire Department was assisted by Cottage Grove, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Newport, and Maplewood fire departments.
Several thousand people lost power in Woodbury due to the storms that included hail as well as lightning and rain.
