Lightning Strike Suspected in West View Fire

The West View fire marshal is investigating the possibility that lightning is to blame for a house fire at 119 Chalfonte Avenue, , early Wednesday morning.

The home's two residents, both in their 80's, were taken to the hospital.

"They took her to the hospital for smoke inhalation and then we convinced him to go, too," said Nathan Zisman, a neighbor. There is no word on their conditions.

Although there is very little visible damage on the outside, firefighters say there is significant fire and water damage inside.

"There was smoke rolling out from the roof and so there's smoke damage throughout the whole house," said Zisman.

The fire marshal is focusing on a large, old-style TV antenna on the home's roof which he thinks may have been struck by lightning during a violent thunderstorm which rolled through around 4 a.m. Wednesday.

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