VIDEO: Fire breaks out at home after intense lightning storm in Cabarrus County
A fire broke out at a Cabarrus County home after an intense lightning storm Thursday night, authorities said.
Paul Lof shared video with Channel 9 of the flames shooting through the roof of the house on Fairmead Drive.
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Cabarrus County emergency communications said the call for the fire came in just after 8 p.m. They said nine fire departments controlled the blaze in about an hour.
No one was hurt, officials said.
“The fire department showed up and worked all night. It was just very difficult to contain the flames,” homeowner Blaine Freeman said.
At the scene, caution tape could be seen surrounding the home. Fire officials said that’s because it’s too dangerous for anyone to get inside.
VIDEO: Fire breaks out at home after intense lightning storm in Cabarrus County (credit: Paul Lof)
The homeowners told Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura that they believe lightning sparked the fire. Freeman said his wife felt a lightning strike on their house.
Channel 9 Meteorologist Keith Monday confirmed there was a significant amount of lightning in that part of the county between 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A neighbor’s doorbell camera also caught the moment the home exploded in flames. Freeman is calling it a freak accident because he said his home isn’t higher than his neighbors.
“Never thought it would be us,” Freeman said. “Right now it’s just, what do we do this next hour, you know.”
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It’s also a miracle in and of itself, considering the roof is caved in from all the water used to contain the flames. Now, Freeman is trying to figure out his next steps.
“That’s all that matters. Everything in there can be replaced, but my wife is OK, my son is OK, I am OK,” he said.
Freeman is relying on help from his neighbors and the Red Cross, who’s finding them a place to stay.
“It’s just one of those things, you know. It’s tragic, and I’m sure it’s gonna sink in over the coming days,” he said.
The home is considered a total loss. The fire’s cause is still under investigation, officials said.
Check back for updates.
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