The Somerville Fire Department responded to a house fire at 51 Cherry Street on Tuesday July 17th. The large two and a half story wood frame house was hit by lightning at approximately 5:45 PM causing a fire along the base of the roof line and extending into the 3rd floor. The 3rd floor suffered severe fire and smoke damage with the lower floors suffering some water damage. Two alarms were required to bring the fire under control. Firefighters had to open up walls and ceilings on the 3rd floor to find pockets of fire and also used salvage covers on the lower floors to protect against water damage. Somerville Firefighters were also assisted by Cambridge Firefighters. Three firefighters were slightly injured during the fire but were not transported.

Two occupants of the 2nd floor were home at the time of the fire and safely evacuated the home. The occupant of floor 1 was not home at the time of the fire.

Damage is expected to be in excess of $150,000 dollars.