Investigators traced the Buckingham Presbyterian Church fire to a direct lightning strike nearly four hours before the flames were reported
The Tice Fire Protection and Rescue Service District determined that a direct lightning strike caused the Buckingham Presbyterian Church fire. Investigators recorded the strike at about 6:30 p.m. Friday, and a passerby reported the fire at about 10:25 p.m., leaving the building burning undiscovered for nearly four hours.
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The Tice Fire Protection and Rescue Service District determined that a direct lightning strike caused the fire at Buckingham Presbyterian Church, Gulf Coast News digital content producer James Curtis reported Tuesday.
The district's investigation placed the strike at about 6:30 p.m. Friday. A person driving past the church reported the fire at about 10:25 p.m., nearly four hours later, according to the outlet's account of the district release.
Investigators used evidence from the scene, weather records and lightning analysis. They counted two strikes on the church property and 15 within two miles during the storm, Gulf Coast News reported.
WINK News independently reported the same cause finding and attributed it to the fire district. The district had not released an injury status, damage estimate or operational timeline in the reports available Tuesday.
When the Buckingham church fire started
The timeline explains why the fire had already grown before crews arrived. The strike came during a storm at about 6:30 p.m., but the flames were not reported until a passerby saw them at about 10:25 p.m.
Crews brought the fire under control Friday night. The fire reignited Saturday morning, and firefighters returned to extinguish hot spots, Gulf Coast News reported.
The congregation held its Sunday service outdoors after the fire. Money & World's earlier report on the Buckingham Presbyterian Church fire covers that response while investigators were still working to identify the cause.
What the lightning finding means for Buckingham
The new finding closes the cause question but leaves the financial and recovery questions open. No verified damage estimate, insurance figure or rebuilding schedule has been released.
Fire Chief Michael Runk urged residents to watch for smoke, unusual odors, tripped breakers or damaged electrical equipment after severe weather, WINK reported. The warning matters beyond the church because a lightning strike can affect electrical, plumbing, communications and structural systems without producing an immediately visible fire.
Buckingham is part of unincorporated Lee County. The church is at 4241 Buckingham Road, according to its own website.
Where we read it: James Curtis at Gulf Coast News. Read their story.
The document: No public filing has been released.
