Lighthouse burns after apparent lightning strike

Cole Shoal Lighthouse Richard Hone Jul2318 — The Cole Shoal Lighthouse on the St. Lawrence River is consumed by flames after an apparent lightning strike. The historic lighthouse was decommissioned in the 1920s but left as a navigation aide for day-trippers on the river. (Richard Hone/Facebook via Newswatch Group)

WOODRIDGE – A St. Lawrence River lighthouse has burned to the ground after an apparent lightning strike.

Pictures posted by Richard Hone to a 1000 Islands Facebook page around 7 p.m. show the Cole Shoal Lighthouse consumed by orange flames.

The Cole Shoal Lighthouse on the St. Lawrence River is consumed by flames after an apparent lightning strike. The historic lighthouse was decommissioned in the 1920s but left as a navigation aide for day-trippers on the river. (Richard Hone/Facebook via Newswatch Group)

Thunderstorms were passing through the area at the time and witnesses believe a lightning strike started the fire in the building on a remote island off Fulford Point in Elizabethtown-Kitley Township.

The 162-year-old lighthouse is also known as the 5 Mile Lighthouse, five miles west of Brockville, according to US Lighthouses.

The lighthouse was decommissioned in the early 1920s.

In August 2017, MP Gord Brown unveiled a commemorative plaque for the Cole Shoal Range Lighthouses.