Fire breaks out at Mount Dora home after lightning strike, fire department says

Lightning sparks house fire in Mount Dora

Strong storms caused lightning that sparked a house fire in Mount Dora on Sunday.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A fire broke out a home in Central Florida as lightning struck it during strong storms on Sunday, fire officials said.

A Mount Dora couple will have to find another place to stay as a result.

"I saw the blue flash and heard the big crack."

Mike Cassem spoke about the lightning strike that hit his neighbor’s home, causing a big fire.

"It was a very good size. It was. And, I was surprised how fast it burned."

Deputy Chief Rich Loewer, of the Mount Dora Fire Department said, "He was inside when it happened. Heard the lightning strike and there was some smoke in the residence. And then called 911."

Firefighters said the two people inside the home on Bridgeport Bay Circle were able to get out quickly.

"Pretty heavy damage in the house. A lot of fire damage, obviously, in the attic area. And then water damage from insulation and stuff falling. We have building officials on scene to inspect it and stuff like that, but right now, it’s not livable," Loewer said.

Cassem said he is glad his neighbors got out alive.

Firefighters say they plan to keep an eye on the home to make sure the fire doesn’t rekindle.

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