Fire investigators suspect lightning strike caused house fire in Overland Park
Fire investigators determined a lightning strike during overnight storms was likely to blame for a blaze that destroyed a home in Overland Park.
Firefighters and police were called to the scene on West 139th Terrace around 3:30 a.m. Thursday for a home intrusion alarm, and when first responders arrived, they found a “well-advanced” house fire with flames coming through the roof of the home, the Overland Park Fire Department said.
It took several hours to control the blaze, and the home will likely be a total loss, the department said.
Investigators found evidence of trees near the home being struck by lightning and said a report indicated nearly 50 strikes happened near the home around the time of the fire, the department said.
Neighbors reported residents of the home were out of town. No injuries were reported.
Severe thunderstorms rolled through the Kansas City metro overnight, bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Vehicles became stranded in the high water, trees and utility lines were also downed in the storms and thousands lost power.
This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 1:31 PM.
