Lightning strikes to blame for 2 Fayetteville house fires

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (WTVD) — Severe weather is likely to blame for two house fires in Fayetteville.

Storms began rolling through Wednesday afternoon and continued through midnight, but Fayetteville fire crews said things got busy about 4 p.m. when they were called to Williwood Drive.

The home was already on fire by the time crews got there, but thankfully the family had escaped. Crews said they believe lightning struck the roof and spread to the attic.

Hours later, the Fayetteville Fire Department responded to Havliah Street near Bragg Boulevard about 10 p.m. Lightning also struck that roof and sent the attic bursting into flames.

Three people inside escaped. Their neighbors saw the bolt and immediately called 911.