DOWAGIAC — A fire that occurred Monday night at 202 Bradley St. in Dowagiac left extensive damage to a home, but caused no injuries. 

Authorities responded to the fully-involved house fire around 9:10 p.m., according to Deputy Fire Chief Robert Smith, of the Dowagiac Fire Department. Firefighters from Dowagiac Fire Department and Wayne Township Fire Department that were dispatched to the area found a two-story residential structure with flames showing from three sides of the second floor. A box alarm was requested which also brought Pokagon and Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Departments to the scene.

The residents, who had just moved in a few days earlier, were not at home at the time of the fire.

Fire crews were faced with heavy fire conditions on the second floor as the fire had spread to the attic areas. It is likely the fire had started but gone unnoticed for a while before being spotted by neighbors as it finally vented out the windows, Smith said.

Fire crews from all responding departments were systematically used to control the fire. The fire was declared under control at 10:06 p.m. The last fire engine left the scene at 12:56 a.m. Tuesday.

While a definitive cause has yet to be determined, Smith said it is possible the fire may have been started by a lightning strike. Storms had moved through the area just a few hours earlier and neighbors reported a “nearby” strike during the storm.

The homeowner, a brother of one of the occupants, had recently purchased the home and neither he nor the occupants had insurance, according to authorities.

Fire crews were also assisted on scene by officers of the Dowagiac Police Department, medics from Pride Care Ambulance Service, and Dowagiac Department of Public Services.