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Clearwater residents flee home after lightning strike causes fire

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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.

5 dead in Sarasota shooting ID'd, linked to Ft. Lauderdale double homicide

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said five people are dead after a shooting in a Sarasota neighborhood, including a suspect authorities say may be connected to a double homicide in Fort Lauderdale.

5 dead in Sarasota shooting ID'd, linked to Ft. Lauderdale double homicide: SCSO