CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -
A Clarksville home was destroyed on Wednesday evening after a lightning strike sparked a fire.
Witnesses told Nashville's News Two prior to the blaze, a brief but powerful storm moved through the area. They described high winds, heavy rain and lightning.
"[I heard] this big ole crash of thunder and lightning, then I looked and then there was just flames everywhere," neighbor Mona Johnson said.
The fire was reported around 5 p.m. in the 3000 block of Oak Glen Lane.
When crews arrived to the scene the home was fully engulfed.
"When lightning strikes, there's a whole lot of energy there," explained Chief Jerry Buchanan. "When it struck here, it spread all the way through the house. It probably got into the electric line."
Buchanan described how lightning traveled through the house, igniting a gas line, and sending fireballs shooting out of the fireplace.
Authorities told Nashville's News 2 a minor was inside the home when the blaze started.
He was able to escape and get two Golden Retrievers from the home without injury.
The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced family.
