Lightning strike sparks Orlando house fire during intense storms
A lightning strike sparked a fire that severely damaged an unoccupied Orlando home during Tuesday's storms.
Fire officials warn residents to stay vigilant and recommend surge protection systems to reduce lightning damage.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A lightning strike sparked a fire that heavily damaged an unoccupied home in Orlando during a round of intense storms on Tuesday, officials said.
What we know
A lightning strike during intense storms on Tuesday ignited a fire that heavily damaged an unoccupied home in Orlando. The homeowner expects the property will likely need to be torn down. No one was inside the home when the fire started, and no injuries were reported.
No injuries were reported in the Orlando fire.
What we don't know
Details about the exact cause of how the lightning ignited the fire remain unclear.
What they're saying
Florida is known as the lightning capital of the U.S. due to frequent summer storms, which pose ongoing risks to homes and residents. The state's weather pattern makes lightning-induced fires a consistent concern for fire departments and emergency responders.
"They do have lightning protection systems you can install," said Lt. David Williams, Seminole County Fire Department "The biggest thing you can really do is get with your energy supplier, your power company, and have them put a whole-home surge protection system on there.
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The Source
This story was written based on information shared by the Orlando Fire Department and Lt. David Williams with the Seminole County Fire Department.
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