SUMMERFIELD, Fla. – Lightning is being blamed for a house fire in Summerfield, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.
It happened just before 2 p.m. Tuesday in the 12800 block of Southeast 82nd Court Road.
The homeowner told authorities the house was struck by lightning and that she could see smoke coming from the ceiling of her bedroom closet.
Heavy smoke was seen from the 2,000-square-foot home when firefighters arrived. Fire Rescue officials said 20 firefighters and nine units were dedicated to the fire.
Crews worked to complete searches and perform an offensive interior attack, but firefighters were ordered out of the house as the fire compromised the structural integrity of the roof, fire officials said.
The fire was deemed under control around 2:30 p.m.
--Photos courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue.