OCALA, Fla. – A lightning strike during an intense thunderstorm caused a residential structure fire Saturday evening in Ocala.
Ocala firefighters said an alert neighbor noticed the fire and called 911.
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Firefighters with Ocala Fire Rescue responded to 2202 Northeast 38th Terrace at 7:12 p.m. Saturday and arrived within minutes to quickly contain the fire to the attic, officials said.
Firefighters said the homeowner, who later arrived to the scene, told fire officials he was not at home when the fire began.
According to Battalion Chief Shane Alexander, firefighters quickly extinguished the attic fire and covered furniture inside the home with waterproof tarps to protect them from further damage.
Firefighters said a building inspector with the city of Ocala, who also responded, deemed the house uninhabitable until the electrical system is checked and repairs are made.
Damage to the $150,000 house is estimated at $8,000, officials said.