Lightening follows tree, roots, fence and LP line into house

Allenville

The current from the lightening strike traveled down the tree in a spiral, then moved along a large root, digging a path in the wet ground, to a wire fence where it jumped to a fitting on the copper gas line from the LP tank to the house. The fitting loosened and the leaking gas ignited setting fire to fence posts. From there the current traveled into the house to the hot water heater where it jumped to the electric panel blowing out several fuses.

The home owner called 911, closed the valve on the LP tank and used a garden hose to extinguished the fence fire until the first fire unit arrived.