Crime & Safety
Lightning Sparks House Fire In South Orange County Thursday
The Orange County Fire Authority was called to the scene a little after 11 p.m. Thursday night. Fortunately, no one was injured.
ALISO VIEJO, CA — A house fire in Aliso Viejo was one of several that Orange County Fire Authority officials responded to Thursday night as a result of a lightning storm that swept across south OC, OCFA reported Friday. No one was injured in the house fire, and firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before the house saw any severe damage.
"There were three individuals in the house, and they heard the loud thunder and then started to hear crackling," OCFA Fire Capt. Greg Barta said. "They were all able to escape the home uninjured."
Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Barta said that a thorough investigation of the house took place after firefighters battled the flames, and lightning was deemed the most probable cause of the fire.
"It's a pretty rare occurrence," Barta said.
Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
OCFA said the storm caused multiple smaller fires across Orange County.
Read more to see epic lightning pictures from the storm Thursday night
Lightning In Lake Forest: Photo Of The Week
Thunderbolts And Lightning Wake Dana Point: Photo Of The Week
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.