JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After two Jacksonville homes caught fire within minutes of each other following lightning strikes, the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department explained how a tool could protect homes during Florida’s storm season.
JFRD responded to the fires at River Knoll Drive and Highland Glen near Beach Boulevard. One home now bears visible damage with a blue tarp covering its middle section. No one was home during the fire.
JFRD Capt. Eric Prosswimmer called these kinds of fires tricky for firefighters to navigate.
“The energy from the lightning travels, and you don’t know where it’s going to end up. It’s usually in an attic space, and it can smolder for a while,” Prosswimmer said.
One way a homeowner could protect their house is by installing a lightning rod.
These devices are designed to intercept lightning strikes and safely direct the electrical charge into the ground, preventing damage to the home’s structure and electrical systems.
JFRD has already responded to 10 lightning-strike fires in 2025, surpassing last year’s total of eight incidents.
As Florida receives the most lightning strikes nationwide, the risk of homes catching fire peaks during summer months when thunderstorms are most frequent.
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During thunderstorms, Prosswimmer recommends several precautions:
- Stay away from corded phones and electrical equipment
- Avoid using plumbing, including baths, dishwashing, and laundry
- Keep clear of windows and doors
- Stay off porches
- Contact 911 immediately if you suspect your home has been struck by lightning
