MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn.- Two homes in the mid-state caught fire after being struck by lightning during popup summer storms.
A home in White House on Cheyenne Drive and Kiowa Court was struck just after 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday when storms moved into the area. It was not clear if anyone was at home at the time of the strike. Emergency crews were on the scene working to contain the fire.
In Montgomery County in the Savannah Lakes subdivision also caught fire after being hit by lightning. Firefighters from several area departments responded and quickly got the fire under control.
"A lightening strike is a whole lot of energy,"
said Jerry Buchanan, Montgomery County EMA Deputy Director, "It just tore
through the house."
Firefighters from several area departments responded to
the scene on Oak Glen Lane, and quickly had the fire under control.
"It could have been a lot worse," said
Buchanan, "You just feel for the family."
Neighbors caught the flames on their cell phones, and
can't believe what they saw.
"I heard a loud boom, and the whole house
shook," said neighbor Veer Patel, "It was incredible. We didn't know what was going on."
The homeowner and her family were able to escape
unharmed, and are receiving support from the American Red Cross.
The charred remains of the home still smoldered hours
later, and firefighters said they will continue to keep a close watch on the
property to make sure hot spots don't spark again.
