'It was pretty crazy': Lightning strike blows chimney into Burnaby backyard
The rare thunderstorm that struck Metro Vancouver Saturday night left some notable damage in its wake.
Firefighters were called to the 8500 block of Portland Street near Byrne Creek Ravine Park around 7 p.m. after lightning struck the chimney of a home in the area.
Burnaby Fire Department Asst. Chief Mark Forsberg told CTV News Vancouver the lightning struck the home's main chimney, where the furnace and hot-water tank vented.
"The bulk of the chimney was blown up and ended up on the back lawn," Forsberg said.
Twenty firefighters responded to the scene, inspecting the inside of the home to make sure there was no additional damage, and working to shore up the roof to prevent rain from getting inside.
At one point, lightning flashed overhead as a firefighter was on the roof.
Forsberg said the officer in charge at that time ordered everyone off the roof due to safety concerns.
Chelsea Neville lives nearby. She told CTV News she came outside after hearing the lightning strike and emergency sirens.
"It was pretty crazy," she said. "I've never seen anything like this before."
No one was injured in the lightning strike, Forsberg said, noting the unusual nature of the call.
"I've had it once before in my career," he said. "Storms along here that produce lightning are rare, so not a common occurrence, for certain, but it's destructive when it does take place."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.