GILBERT, Ariz. - A Gilbert family is displaced this morning after a lightning bolt struck and ignited the roof of their home, Gilbert fire officials say.
Gilbert firefighters responded to the home near Elliot and Higley roads at about 10 p.m. Tuesday night. When they arrived, smoke and flames were shooting out of the roof. At one point, there were about 40 firefighters on the scene. They worked to put out the fire with large streams of water, making progress through heavy rain and lightning.
The fire was so powerful crews were forced to transition into defensive mode. Thankfully, two adults inside were able to get out safely. Four cats were unaccounted for as of Wednesday morning. The home, unfortunately, is a total loss.
A spokesperson for Gilbert Fire says their resources were stretched thin Tuesday night because of several tree fires that ignited leading up to this house fire.