Lightning Blamed For Fire On Roof Of Union 8th Grade Center

Firefighters say lightning caused a fire on the roof of the Union Public Schools 8th Grade Center overnight.

School officials say the fire started shortly after midnight and damaged the west side of the building at 6501 South Garnett Road in Broken Arrow.

Firefighters said it looked like lightning hit the peak of the roof, setting the plastic ridge vent on fire. They said the damage appeared to be minimal and mostly to the roof, though there was some water damage inside.

"Fortunately, the damage appears to be contained to the large hallway just off the main entrance," explained Dr. Hartzler, "In the initial walk through, the structure seems to sound; however, we will not know the full extent of the damage to the building and equipment until we complete a thorough evaluation," Superintendent Kirt Hartzler said.

Firefighters from Tulsa and Broken Arrow responded to the fire.

School is out for the summer and no one was in the building when the fire began. Restoration is expected to be completed in time for the first day of classes August 19.