Lightning strikes start house fires

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tennessee (WDEF) – For the last week, the main threat from thunder storms have been the wind and downed trees.

But today, lightning left its mark.

Two homes were damaged in Hamilton County by strikes this morning.

In Apison, a home on Meadowstone Drive was hit just before noon.

Tri-community volunteers found heavy smoke and fire in the attick.

The fire caused $40,000 in damage.

No one was hurt, because the family was away on vacation.

The second lightning strike happened in Hixson at a home at 8520 Middle Valley Road.

Dallas Bay fire fighters found smoke, but no fire at that home.

They say the lighning hit the heating/air unit, traveled throughout the house and destroyed all the appliances.

The damage was put at $8,000.