On Friday evening, Rindge Fire Department responded to a report of a smoke odor in a building, following a lighting strike.

At about 5:22 p.m., the crews responded to a first alarm to 52 Old Cathedral Road residence, for an odor of smoke, according to a press release issued by Fire Department Lt. Joseph Bevilacqua.

The Engine 2 crew arrived first and entered the residence to investigate, but found no signs of smoke or fire.

“It was discovered that the lightning strike was to a tree approximately 50 feet from the home, with the strike then traveling underground and into the foundation of an attached garage, causing some minor damage,” Bevilacqua said.

The incident occurred during a heavy thunderstorm activity that was occurring across the Monadnock region that night. There were no civilian or first responder injuries reported, and the home owners were able to reoccupy the home after it was verified there were no hazards present.

Rindge Fire Department units were assisted on the scene by Rindge Police and the Jaffrey Fire Department. Mutual Aid companies from Winchendon, Massachusetts and Fitzwilliam, as well as Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance responded and remained staged for the duration of the incident, with an engine company from the Ashby, Massachusetts providing station coverage.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.