OSKALOOSA, Iowa — A lightning strike at an Oskaloosa apartment building Thursday night left residents displaced.

According to the Oskaloosa Fire Department, at around 5:47 p.m. firefighters were called to an apartment building in the 900 block of B Avenue West on a report of a lightning strike. The fire department said firefighters found significant damage to the chimney and called in the city building inspector.

Initially, a total of six apartments on the west side of the building were evacuated due to the potential danger of the chimney, but later an electrical short left the entire building without power and the remaining residents inside were also evacuated.

The fire department said that the residents were able to relocate until the chimney can be removed. It is unknown at this time when the work will be completed, but officials said they hope to have it done as soon as possible. In the meantime, the fire department is asking the public to avoid the area around the chimney due to its instability.

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