With temperatures exceeding 15,000 degrees F, lightning is a well-known cause of grass, building, and forest fires -- it has also set fire to autos, boats, and buried gas pipes. Lightning's intense heat poses a serious risk to property and a safety risk to building occupants. 

Most lightning-caused fires occur June through August and in the late afternoon and evening. To help prevent building fires and property damage from lightning strikes:

• Remove dead and dry or rotting trees and branches and brush near buildings and facilities that could ignite or fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm. Trees are vulnerable to lightning strikes and may ignite adjacent buildings.
• If your facility has one, make sure your lightning protection system is in accordance with accepted industry standards and with NFPA, LPI and UL requirements. 
• Make sure the lightning protection system is maintained, especially its exposed elements. Exterior cables and components should be adequately anchored to the structure. Wind storms and snow loads can loosen cables and components of lightning protection systems from their anchors points.
• Make sure that your facility's fire suppression and fire alarms systems have undergone their periodic testing and maintenance.
• For lightning protection, a whole-building surge protector is considered the best start for reducing the risk of damage to your equipment. Your utility company may provide and install whole-building surge protection systems. If not, consult a licensed electrician about having one installed.
• Make sure that your individual surge protectors/power strips are fully functional and capable of protecting your laptops, computers, smartphones, etc.

A lightning strike sets gas line on fire.

Brick building damaged by lightning strike.

If a major thunderstorm storm or hurricane is imminent:

• If practical, unplug electronic equipment; this is the most reliable means of protecting that equipment from a power surge.
• For staff, review lightning safety procedures.

If you know or suspect that your facility has been struck by lightning:

• Evacuate if you see fire or smoke and contact the fire department. Firefighters can use thermal imaging equipment to check for hot spots inside walls.
• Immediately check enclosed spaces -- even if the smoke alarm hasn't sounded or you don't smell smoke.
• As soon as possible, have a licensed electrician check your structure's wiring.