Lightning strike causes damage to Mandarin home

Crews quickly fight attic fire caused by lightning strike

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lightning struck a home Wednesday night in Mandarin and started a small fire in the attic of the home.

Lightning struck the home on Bent Tree Lane in Mandarin, one witness said he was about 100 yards away from the home when lightning hit.

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"It was dumping cats and dogs out there. I saw, we pulled in and lightning just came down right in front of us. Heard a big old boom, right on top of lightning," said Trey Murphy. "Saw some steam and thought it was rain, next thing you know it's pouring smoke, so I called 911."

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department was able to get the attic fire under control quickly.

"Upon our arrival we found some smoke in the attic and our firefighters fought (the) attic from inside and determined fire was over the ridgeline of the attic, so fire was contained to the attic," said Lt. Mike Peery.

JFRD said only the roof of the home suffered damage; no one was hurt in the fire or by the lightning strike.