WHAT: House fire.
WHEN: July 4, 2023 at 1:03 p.m.
WHERE: 12900 block of Northump Rd. 77047.
INJURIES: No reported injuries.
PROPERTY SAVED: $186,000 in estimated property saved.
DAMAGE: $70,000 in estimated damage.
CAUSE: Act of nature (lightning strike).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Firefighters arrived on scene with heavy smoke coming from a 1-story house and made an offensive attack. The home was ventilated, and a primary search was completed. Crews controlled the fire and extinguished hotspots in the attic. The resident reported hearing a lightning strike prior to the smoke coming from his attic. A large, charred hole was found in the roof with multiple hotspots throughout the insulation in the attic, consistent with a lightning discharge. The American Red Cross was requested to assist the residents. 35 personnel responded to this incident, including firefighters from Stations 47, 23, 46, 59, 35, 80 and 24.