Firefighter injured at ND house fire

By Leann Eckroth
The Bismarck Tribune

BISMARCK, N.D. — A lightning strike to a rural north Bismarck home early Saturday morning appears to have caused a blaze that destroyed it six hours later, according to the Bismarck Rural Fire Department.

A firefighter suffered minor burns to the back of his neck, but was treated by paramedics at the scene. The homeowners safely left the home on their own.

At around 8 a.m. Saturday, firefighters were called to Marv and Diane Alveshere's home at 9903 Kerry Lane.

Marv Alveshere told firefighters his home was struck by lightning around 2 a.m. and he got up and walked around the home to examine it for any damage.

"He didn't see any problems other than a scorch mark on the roof," said firefighter Brandon Fitterer.

A neighbor reported he smelled something around 6:30 a.m., but also saw no fire, Fitterer said.

The family reportedly went back to bed.

Fitterer said Marv Alveshere opened some curtains around 8 a.m. and determined part of the home was on fire. The residents evacuated on their own without injury.

The family called 911 and firefighters responded.

Fitterer said the blaze was already active on the south side of the home when they arrived. Firefighters contained the blaze about a half hour later. They remained on the scene for nearly five hours.

"The firetrucks came. They did what they could and this is what is left," said Marv Alveshere, pointing to the hollowed-out roof on Saturday.

Firefighters believe the fire spread through the attic ovenight, Fitterer said.

The home is believed to be a total loss.

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