Overnight storms spark at least 6 fires in Chesterfield
TL;DR: Overnight storms sparked at least six lightning-caused house fires and prompted over 100 emergency calls to Chesterfield County Fire and EMS early Monday morning.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS responders
- What: Severe overnight storms sparked at least six house fires from lightning strikes and prompted 112 emergency calls, including eight structure fire calls and ten vehicle-into-water calls
- When: Overnight Sunday into Monday, August 16-17, 2026
- Where: Chesterfield County
The story
Severe storms that moved through Chesterfield County overnight Sunday into Monday sparked at least six house fires, all caused by lightning strikes, according to Fire and EMS officials. The weather event prompted 112 emergency calls to county responders, including eight structure fire calls and ten vehicle-into-water calls.
One house fire on Hunters Ridge Drive was contained to the crawl space with no residents displaced. Another fire on Gordon School Road sustained roof damage and displaced two residents. Officials reported no significant damage in the other house fire calls and no injuries during the storm event.
High water from the storms created hazardous conditions for drivers. A portion of Old Hundred Road remained closed Monday morning due to high water. Officials noted that by the time responders arrived at vehicle-into-water calls, the persons had exited their vehicles.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Fire and EMS: Emergency responders
Why it matters: The overnight storm event tested emergency response capacity in Chesterfield County and highlighted the dangers lightning poses to residential structures during severe weather.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-08-17Overnight storms spark six fires in Chesterfield County: Severe thunderstorms moved through Chesterfield County overnight Sunday into Monday, causing at least six house fires from lightning strikes. Fire and EMS responded to 112 emergency calls, including eight structure fire calls and ten vehicle-into-water calls. High water closed portions of Old Hundred Road. [source]
Related links
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 Local →