HOUSTON -- Lightning could be to blame for a two-alarm apartment fire in southwest Houston, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The fire at the Bristol Court Apartments on South Course Drive near Elmsworth Drive broke out at about 5:45 p.m. Thursday, when strong storms were moving through the area.

"My husband was outside watching the lightning," Lori Desselle said. "You could hear it. It would echo. Within five minutes after that, we smelled smoke so all of our neighbors were checking the roof."

Houston firefighters said high water and lightning in the area delayed their response to the blaze.

The fire was contained to one building. Eight apartments were destroyed.

No injuries were reported.

The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.