Lightning strike sparks fire at Santa Rosa Beach home, causes heavy damage; no injuries

Sierra Rains, Northwest Florida Daily News
·1 min read
South Walton Fire District firefighters respond to a fire at a two-story home on Enchanted Way in Santa Rosa Beach. The fire was believed to be caused by a lightning strike.
South Walton Fire District firefighters respond to a fire at a two-story home on Enchanted Way in Santa Rosa Beach. The fire was believed to be caused by a lightning strike.

SANTA ROSA BEACH — A home was heavily damaged Wednesday in a fire believed to be caused by a lightning strike.

The South Walton Fire District responded to a two-story home on Enchanted Way in Santa Rosa Beach after receiving a 911 call at 1:18 p.m., according to a SWFD news release. The caller said they could see smoke coming from the roof of the residence.

South Walton Fire District crews extend several lines of hose to fight a fire at a home on Enchanted Way in Santa Rosa Beach. The fire was believed to be caused by a lightning strike.
South Walton Fire District crews extend several lines of hose to fight a fire at a home on Enchanted Way in Santa Rosa Beach. The fire was believed to be caused by a lightning strike.

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Crews arrived about five minutes later and confirmed there was heavy smoke visible. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the evacuation of nearby homes, which firefighters determined needed immediate protection.

Firefighters from the SWFD’s Stations 3, 4 and 5 worked together to extinguish the blaze while also protecting the other structures. The fire was out about 24 minutes later, according to the SWFD.

South Walton Fire District firefighters hose each other down after responding to a fire at a home on Enchanted Way in Santa Rosa Beach. The fire was believed to be caused by a lightning strike.
South Walton Fire District firefighters hose each other down after responding to a fire at a home on Enchanted Way in Santa Rosa Beach. The fire was believed to be caused by a lightning strike.

Crews continued efforts to preserve belongings and check for hot spots until 2:10 p.m. No injuries were reported. One resident was inside the when the fire started, but reportedly made it out safely.

The SWFD Fire Marshal determined a lightning strike likely caused the fire. The home was heavily damaged by the fire. However, no other homes were affected.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Santa Rosa Beach home damaged in fire caused by lightning strike