The Sparta Area Fire District responded to a garage fire believed to have been started by a lightning strike.
The Department received a call at 7:06 Tuesday, June 2, from Hammer Road in Sparta. Residents reported a tree had fallen on the garage roof and a short time later a lightning strike hit the garage.
All residents were able to get out safely and firefighters rescued several pets, although one cat did not survive the fire. Crews were hampered by heavy rain, causing tenders to get stuck in the driveway of the home. The garage was totally destroyed and the house sustained moderate fire and smoke damage.
The Department was assisted by Sparta Ambulance Service, Fort McCoy Fire Department, Monroe County Emergency Management, and Monroe County 911 Center.