I hear about something like this once a year or so it seems. I wonder if there's anything a homeowner can do to their house to help prevent this sort of fire.

https://www.weau.com/2020/07/18/lightning-strike-causes-residential-fire-in-washington-county/

lightning rods maybe

or your own fire fighting equipment to get it out quickly.

I've thought about a lightning rod. I haven't heard of anyone trying that.

I see them all over barns and larger homes in Illinois.

There are still companies that install lightning rods. Older barns around here have them. I don't know if they're effective or not.

I worked as an engineer for my college radio station a long time ago. To protect our transmitters, we had devices that were supposed to dissipate static in the air to prevent lightning strikes. They looked like giant, fuzzy chimney brushes on long poles around the transmitters. I have no idea if they actually worked either.

I'm skeptical that we can do much to control lightning.

We have lightning rods on our home.

Lightning globes used to be popular.
Dunno if they did anything other than pretty it up.

www.lightningrodsupply.com/index_files/page0003.htm

Lightning starts from both the ground and the sky at the same time (Why your hair will stand up right before you get struck). When they meet in the middle you get a lightning bolt. That is why the rods work. usually the lightning trail starts from the highest point. Also why trees get struck often.

My Grandpa used to sell and install lightning rods. I put them on my house when we moved in 16 years ago. Getting the supplies for free helped with the decision.

They are just for looks but I like them.

You could always put a Static wire over your house. It would also be a good place to hang your Christmas decorations.