A Lakeland woman was killed in a house fire today (6.30.17) when her home was struck by lighting.
Brent Perkins, PIO/GIS for the Shelby County Fire Department, confirmed Nancy Allen died in a fire at her home on Gainsborough Drive.
WREG reported Mrs. Allen worked at the station over 30 years as a production graphics operator. Her husband Bobby also works at the station.
Mr. Perkins said Mrs. Allenby was alone at the time of the fire. She had recently had surgery. “We assume she was at least partially thwarted (by her surgery) in her efforts to get out of the house, said Mr. Perkins.
The house is totally destroyed, said Mr. Perkins and by all accounts it was caused by a lighting strike.
Three fire departments answered the call — Memphis, Shelby County and Arlington — with a six-minute response time. There were five engine companies and almost two dozen firefighters. No firemen were injured, said Mr. Perkins.
The Allens have four adult children who were not at home at the time of the fire.
