Storms, lightning cause fire at business

Merv Wallace's dogs, Willie, between carts, and Runner, sit at the porch of what's left of the retail sales and business office at Missouri Wildflowers Nursery in Brazito. Much of the building was destroyed after lightning ignited a fire in the structure.
Merv Wallace's dogs, Willie, between carts, and Runner, sit at the porch of what's left of the retail sales and business office at Missouri Wildflowers Nursery in Brazito. Much of the building was destroyed after lightning ignited a fire in the structure.

photo

Andre Pendleton and Tanya Jasper of The Social Group

Strong storms that moved through Mid-Missouri Tuesday night and Wednesday morning led to several power outages and the destruction of part of a Cole County business when it was struck by lightning.

Around 10:50 p.m. Tuesday night, Cole County Fire Protection District firefighters were called to Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, 9814 Pleasant Hill Road.

According to district reports, lightning struck the utility room of a building that housed the sales offices for the business as well as a gift shop.

The fire spread rapidly through the building, which was considered a total loss, although the rest of the business remains open. No injuries were reported.

The overnight storms also left a number of people without electricity for a time.