Lightning May Have Sparked Columbia House Fire

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A lightning strike may be to blame for a house fire that displaced a family early Wednesday morning in Columbia, fire officials say.

Authorities say the fire started just before 6 a.m. Two adults, a child, and a dog were inside the home on Saddlebrook Lane at the time. The child woke the father after hearing a crackling noise.

Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins says the fire started in the attic. Authorities believe it was started by a lightning strike.

No one was injured in the fire. Damages are estimated at about $50,000.