HOUSTON – Storms brought heavy downpours and lightning to the Houston area. Though the storms were moving quickly, the lightning struck at least two houses in north-northwest Harris County, causing them to catch fire.
West Valera Ridge Place
Just after 5 a.m. Monday, authorities got a call about a house fire in north Harris County near The Woodlands.
Authorities said a lightning strike caused the roof of the home to go up in flames.
A resident of the home told authorities the blaze spread through the roof quickly before firefighters could arrive to help put it out.
According to a neighbor, the couple living inside the home heard their smoke alarms and were able to escape with their two pets.
She said the couple are in shock, but otherwise OK.
"(I'm) glad they were able to get out but, they’ve lost everything," said Michelle Riley, “We’ve been through a lot and our neighbors have always come through. It’s an amazing, supportive area to live in, so we’ll all be there for them.”
The Woodlands and Spring fire departments had to work together to put the fire out. The flames left much of the roof charred and caved in.
Kiowa River Lane
Shortly after the West Valera Ridge Place fire, authorities got reports of another house fire caused by a lightning strike.
According to authorities, they responded to a fire on Kiowa River Lane near Falling River Drive around 5:30 a.m. Monday.
Two deputies entered the building before firefighters arrived to check if there was anyone inside the burning home, authorities said.
Two deputies were transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation as a precaution, authorities said. They were alert and talking, authorities said.
No other injuries were reported.