Townhouse Catches Fire Following Nearby Lightning Strike

An untimely lightning strike caused a fire at a townhouse in Reston on Monday afternoon, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue reported Wednesday morning.

Fire and Rescue units responded to the townhouse on Lake Chapel Lane at approximately 4:10 p.m., and “conducted an aggressive fire attack” to swiftly put out the flames. The fire was reportedly caused when lightning struck a natural gas line near the home.

Two occupants were inside the home when the fire broke out, but both were able to exit to the street unharmed. The occupants told authorities they detected the fire before smoke alarms began ringing.

All in all, Fire and Rescue reported approximately $15,000 in damages from the fire.