BURWELL, Neb. -- A Burwell man has died as a result of smoke and soot inhalation in a house fire caused by lightning early Monday morning. Burwell firefighters responded to the call at 5:15 a.m. Monday at 227 S. First Ave.
They were able to contain the blaze but were unable to save the house. After the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered the body of Mike Hulinsky, 94, in the home, according to a press release from Garfield County Attorney Dale Crandall.
The state fire marshal conducted an investigation at the scene and concluded that the fire started when lightning struck a large tree next to a detached garage. It then passed through electrical lines to the house, setting both buildings ablaze.
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