Multiple fire departments were called to respond to a residential fire in the 700 block of 50 West in rural Liberty Township shortly before 5pm on Saturday. Deputy Fire Chief Brandon Cotton of South Haven arrived on scene with smoke showing. Deputy Chief Cotton reported the structure appearing to be vacant with flames in the rear of the structure. Firefighters made an attack on the fire and was able to quickly extinguish the fire. The fire was contained to the rear of the structure. Fire Investigators on scene determined the cause of the fire to be a lightning strike. Assisting departments’ included: South Haven Volunteer Fire Department, Union Township Volunteer Fire Department, Porter County Sheriff’s Department, and Porter County EMS.