A residence on Goat Neck Road was destroyed by a fire reportedly caused by a lightning strike on Sunday, April 12.
According to White County Public Safety Director David Murphy, at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, White County Station 2 fire units responded to the residential fire at Goat Neck Road. Cleveland firefighters and Lee Arrendale Correction Institute (L.A.C.I.) provided automatic aid. When firefighters arrived, they discovered that the 2,000 square foot home was fully involved and started a defensive attack to extinguish the flames.
The residents said they heard a loud crack of lightning, and a few moments later smelled smoke, Murphy said. They followed the smell to the basement, where they found the fire. The residents attempted to extinguish the flames, but realized it was more than they could handle.
Firefighters were on the scene for three hours. There were no injuries reported and the Red Cross was called to assist the family, Murphy said. Firefighters responded to the location again on Monday, April 13, due to a rekindle and were at the location for two hours. There were no injuries reported on Monday.