Massive Fire Caused by Lightning Destroys 5,000 Sq. Foot Niverville Mansion

Owners of the  5,000 square foot Columbia County mansion were lucky to escape unharmed after their home went up in flames on Thursday afternoon.  Multiple sources believe a lightning strike created the massive inferno that was battled for hours by fire crews from all over the Capital Region.

The home, described as a "century-old stone mansion," by News Channel 13 has been mainly reduced to rubble, and the residents are believed to have lost all of their belongings.

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The home which sits at 233 Route 28B in Niverville, caught fire after what was believed to be a lightning strike on Thursday afternoon.  Reports are that as many as two dozen fire crews from all over the Capital Region were sent to the Columbia County home, and firefighters had the dangerous task of not only battling the blaze but also weather elements.

Temperatures soared into the 90's on Thursday, making this extremely dangerous and difficult work. News Channel 13 reported that one of the firefighters was treated for heat exhaustion.  Thankfully, there were no other reported injuries.

The home, according to several residents familiar with the area, say that it sits way back from the road and that firefighters had to hike with their equipment up the long driveway before they even began their battle with the fire.

Dramatic video taken and posted to the Sidewinder Photography Facebook page shows time elapsed footage of the firefighter's battle with the old mansion that ultimately was reduced to rubble and char.

Thank you to all the first responders who so bravely battled the fire while also dealing with the intense heat.  We appreciate you and always keep your safety in our thoughts.