RICHMOND, Texas – Lightning struck two homes in Fort Bend County on Friday.
The Northeast Fire Department extinguished a fire at 10523 East Aliana Trace Drive in Richmond after it was struck. But the water destroyed the home, said homeowner Julius Deguzman.
Deguzman said he moved there a few months ago and hoped to retire there. His dog Maddie suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to the veterinarian.
"That's all that matters because everything in the house can be replaced but our pet is like family to us. That's my daughter," said Deguzman. "The first thing I told them, I said, 'My dog is in there. Try to find my dog.'"
No other injuries were reported.
The Willowfork Fire Department also reported no injuries at a home in the 26200 block of Twinstone Lane in Katy that was struck about 10:12 a.m.
"I have my dog and my daughter," said Denise Kearton. "She was asleep. The neighbors heard the boom and a Houston firefighter was driving by and happened to see the smoke."
Kearton considered herself lucky.
"We're blessed because everyone's safe," she said.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning in parts of Fort Bend County earlier in the day before allowing it to expire.