Lightning strike likely cause of Northern Ireland house fire

The cause of a house fire in Downpatrick is thought to be lightning, according to Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (N.I.F.R.S.).
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Oct 2016, 15:04 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 19:32 BST
The scene of the house hit by a lightning strike last night in Kingsfield Avenue Downpatrick Pic Philip Walsh/PacemakerThe scene of the house hit by a lightning strike last night in Kingsfield Avenue Downpatrick Pic Philip Walsh/Pacemaker
The scene of the house hit by a lightning strike last night in Kingsfield Avenue Downpatrick Pic Philip Walsh/Pacemaker

The fire is thought to have started on the roof of a house in Kingsfield Avenue at around 6a.m. on Friday.

The roof and a living room within the property as well as a neighbouring building sustained damage in the fire.

There are no reports of any injuries.

Four members of the one family escaped unharmed as did two people from the neighbouring building.

N.I.F.R.S. attended the scene shortly after the fire started at remained there until 8a.m.

Related topics:Northern IrelandDownpatrickNorthern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service