Evanston fire officials say a lightning touched off a fire early this morning in a home at 1334 Asbury Ave.
Fire Division Chief Tom Janetske says a passerby saw the lightning strike about 1 a.m. and alerted the five residents of the home to the fire.
The first engine company on the scene reported flames in a third floor bedroom and attic of the single family home.
All of Evanston’s nine fire units responded to the fire scene, and units from Wilmette, Skokie, Winnetka and Northfield were called in to provide backup elsewhere in the city.
Janetske says the firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to other parts of the home and were able to limit water damage by spreading tarps over furniture and valuables.
No injuries were reported, and damage is estimated at $80,000.