Lightning strike believed to be cause of Monroeville house fire

MONROEVILLE, Pa. — Investigators believe a lightning strike led to a house fire Wednesday morning in Monroeville.

Authorities at the scene told Channel 11's Brandon Hudson a tree was struck by lightning around 8:15 a.m.

Crews are investigating if the lightning bolt traveled through the roots to a wire fence and down the fence to the Jamison Lane house, where a window and bricks were blown out.

Officials damage to the house was minimal and no injuries were reported.

“Their quick response kept the damage to a minimum,” said Monroeville police Chief Doug Cole. “That house, according to the homeowner, might have been struck multiple times before. Maybe it’s the location of the house.”

The homeowner told Hudson she woke up a loud crash and saw a tree on fire.

“It’s not unusual to watch. They run electrical wires, gas lines, water lines are real common,” Cole said.

WPXI