CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater residents had to flee their homes on Saturday after a lightning strike ignited a fire, city officials said.
Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department crews responded to the house fire at 5:45 a.m. at 1321 Murray Ave.
The preliminary investigation shows that a lightning strike to the rear deck of the property started the fire as storms rolled through the area.
The residents were able to escape the house before the arrival of firefighters, city officials said.
Clearwater firefighters kept the flames from spreading from the back part of the house, officials added.
No injuries were reported.
Execution in Denise Amber Lee case marks end of chapter, lasting changes to 911 system
The man convicted of kidnapping and murdering Denise Amber Lee in 2008 was executed on Tuesday, marking a long-awaited moment for her family and closing a chapter in a case that changed how 911 calls are handled across Florida.
