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Lightning Strikes Fayette County Home

Fire Ignites In Attic, Spreads To Bedroom In Masontown Home

POSTED: 12:21 am EDT June 9, 2009
UPDATED: 12:42 am EDT June 9, 2009

A bolt of lightning tore into the attic of a woman's house in Fayette County as storms pounded through the Pittsburgh area Monday night.

Masontown Fire Chief Chuck Corcoran told WTAE Channel 4 Action News that a severe storm moved in at about 6 p.m. with thunder and lightning.

Witnesses told WTAE Channel 4 Action News that a lightning bolt hit a chimney on a house in the 100 block of Cedar Street. Once the lightning struck the chimney, flames spread to the attic and a bedroom, firefighters said.

"Apparently, it seems that lightning struck the house into the attic area," Corcoran said.

"I heard a big crash of lightning, ran out, got her out of her home, called 911," said Robin Renox.

No one was injured. Authorities told WTAE Channel 4 Action News that the home has smoke and water damage. Firefighters closed Cedar Street for a couple of hours as they worked to extinguish the flames.

Firefighters were investigating whether lightning struck the house twice.

While it's suspected that lightning caused the fire, Corcoran said the fire marshal will continue to investigate a cause.