Lightning Strikes 2 Homes Sparking Fire During Severe Storms

SPRING, TX — A lightning strike from early morning storms is believed to be the cause of house fires that severely damaged two home in Spring and sent two deputy constables to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

The first of the two fires happened just before 5:30 a.m. in the 100 block of West Valera Ridge Place near Kiowa River Lane in north Harris County.

Investigators said the homeowner was up and moving about his house and listening to the storm when he felt like his house had been struck by lightning. Officials said he checked and at first didn’t find any smoke.

When his doorbell began ringing on its own, he checked again and found smoke in his attic, an was able to evacuate family from the home and call firefighters.

2 @HCSOTexas deputies were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, after entering the building, prior to the fire department arrival, to see if there were any residence inside the burning home. No other injuries reported.
— Harris Co. FMO (@hcfmo) June 24, 2019

A few minutes later, firefighters received another report of another house fire caused by a lightning strike in the 17300 block of Kiowa River Lane, according to the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Deputy constables who arrived at the scene before firefighters went into the one to search for anyone inside and were overcome by smoke.

The two deputies were taken to an area hospital for smoke inhalation as a precaution, authorities said. Officials said both deputies were alert and talking. No other injuries were reported.

At least one of the homes is believed to be a total loss, officials said.

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