Electrical Fires from Lightning: Signs Your Property in Lawrenceville Is at Risk

When summer storms roll through Lawrenceville, the risk of lightning strikes is more than just a light show in the sky. Lightning can cause severe damage to your property—especially to your electrical system. If not addressed immediately, a lightning strike can spark an electrical fire, damage essential appliances, or compromise your home’s safety.

At PuroClean of Lawrenceville, we’ve seen firsthand how overlooked surge damage can lead to major restoration challenges. In this post, we’ll explore how lightning affects your electrical system, the signs your property is at risk, and why prompt professional inspection is essential after any major storm.

How Lightning Affects Your Electrical System

When lightning strikes a home, directly or indirectly, it often travels through the wiring or plumbing systems in search of a ground. This powerful surge can:

• Overload and melt wiring
• Damage circuit breakers and fuse boxes
• Destroy electronic appliances
• Ignite flammable materials inside walls
• Create hidden fire hazards

These issues may not be immediately visible, but they can lead to dangerous conditions that escalate over time.

Signs Your Property May Be at Risk of an Electrical Fire

After a storm with lightning activity, watch for these early warning signs:

1. Burning Smells or Scorch Marks

Do you notice a burnt smell near outlets or fuse boxes? That’s often a sign that wiring may be scorched or melting inside the wall—a major fire risk.

2. Tripped Breakers or Flickering Lights

If your breakers keep tripping or your lights are flickering, your system may have taken a surge it wasn’t equipped to handle. These symptoms often point to deeper internal damage and a signal of an impending electrical fire if ignored.

3. Non-Functional Electronics

Appliances or electronics suddenly stop working? A surge may have fried them internally. But beyond replacing the gadgets, it’s vital to check whether the circuit feeding them has been compromised.

4. Outlet Discoloration

Check your outlets after a storm. Brown or black stains or hot surfaces are red flags for short circuits and overheating, both can cause electrical fires.

5. Buzzing Sounds from Walls

Unusual buzzing or crackling sounds from within your walls could be electrical arcing—an urgent warning that should be addressed immediately before it can cause an electrical fire.

Why a Restoration Inspection Is Critical After a Storm

Even if there’s no visible damage, a professional inspection after a lightning-heavy storm can save your home from an electrical fire or other lightning strike related damage. At PuroClean of Lawrenceville, our trained technicians use specialized tools to detect:

• Hidden heat pockets
• Burned wiring behind walls
• Smoke residue or soot
• Secondary water damage from sprinkler activation

We also work closely with licensed electricians to ensure your system is safe and compliant.

What Restoration Services Might Be Needed?

If lightning has caused damage to your electrical system, you may need one or more of the following restoration services:

• Fire and smoke cleanup
• Odor control and air scrubbing
• Water extraction and structural drying (if sprinklers or plumbing were triggered)
• Debris removal and demolition
• Reconstruction and electrical repairs
• Insurance documentation and coordination

The faster you act, the more damage you prevent—and the less costly your restoration becomes.

Why Lawrenceville Properties Are Especially Vulnerable

Homes and businesses in Lawrenceville often experience frequent summer thunderstorms and intense lightning activity. Combine that with older buildings or outdated wiring, and you have a recipe for increased fire risk.

Whether you manage residential rentals, own a business, or live in a single-family home, being proactive is key. A lightning strike might not burn your home down—but it can leave behind smoldering threats you won’t notice until it’s too late.

🛠 Call PuroClean of Lawrenceville for Post-Storm Inspections & Emergency Restoration

If your property has experienced a lightning strike, electrical fire, or you’re noticing warning signs, don’t wait. Our team at PuroClean of Lawrenceville is equipped to:

• Respond 24/7 to emergencies
• Perform thorough inspections
• Mitigate fire, smoke, and electrical-related damages
• Assist with insurance claims

Your safety is our top priority. Whether you need peace of mind after a storm or immediate help with fire damage, we’re just a call away.

Contact PuroClean of Lawrenceville today to schedule an inspection or emergency service.