UPDATE: House fire in Alden Bridge

UPDATE: This statement was recently posted on the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Facebook page:

"Montgomery County Firefighters are responding to a number of reported lightning strikes on or near homes. The Woodlands, Needham and Conroe Firefighters are responding to a working residential fire near FM 1488, where a 911 caller reported lightning struck her neighbor's home. Dangerous lightning is present throughout the area, take shelter indoors. If your home is struck by lightning and you suspect that damage has occurred, but do not see or smell smoke, shut off your home's main breaker if possible and contact an electrical contractor. If you see or smell smoke, call 911."

According to the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office, five houses were struck by lightning Thursday afternoon, with one located at 43 Westwinds Circle in the Village of Alden Bridge, catching fire.



ORIGINAL STORY:

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Earlier this afternoon, approximately around 2 p.m., a fire was reported near the Alden Bridge area. The investigation is on going, but lightning from recent storms is a possible cause. A nearby resident heard a loud boom when it happened.

The house was vacant when the fire occurred. There was a large hole in the roof with debris scattered throughout the yard. The Woodlands, Conroe, and Needham Fire Departments were all present at the scene.

Stay tuned to Woodlands Online for updated information.