Fire believed to be caused by lightning displaces family from Morganton home

Some Morganton residents were displaced from their residence after fire that may have been caused by lightning.

Officers with Morganton Department of Public Safety responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of Ridgedale Drive shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a release from the city of Morganton.

When crews got to the scene they found fire involving the attic and roof area of a single-family residence. Callers said the home had possibly been struck by lightning during a storm, the release said.

Firefighters started fighting the fire and were able to bring it under control within about 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading throughout the residence, the release said.

The fire caused significant damage to the attic, roof structure and several interior rooms, the release said. All of the residents safely evacuated the home before emergency responders got to the scene. One homeowner was evaluated but declined medical treatment, according to the release.

The American Red Cross is helping with emergency housing. City electric crews responded to the scene to secure the utilities to home, and the city's building inspections department responded to evaluate the structure, the release said.

No injuries were reported, it said.

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