Lightning strikes Barooga property

Barooga RFS captain Wayne Smith said the lightning struck the palm tree “very close to the home”.

“The residents did a great job trying to extinguish the fire themselves,” Mr Smith said.

“We spent about half an hour pouring water into the tree and extinguished the fire.

“It was very windy at the time, with lightning everywhere.”

Mr Smith said storms become more common at this time of year when hot and cold air begin to mix.

“It’s a very good time to start to clean up your property, before all the grass starts to hay off (dry out),” he said.

“Maintaining the property now will prevent any threats if a fire does occur.“

Thunderstorms ravaged the state last week, with Victoria State Emergency Service receiving 2518 requests for assistance.

Of the calls received, 1936 related to downed trees and 422 to building damage.