Lightning strikes home in HBTS

Lightning from a large thunderstorm passing through the Navarre area hit a home in the 2600 block of Hidden Creek Drive on July 18, causing an estimated $20,000 worth of damage and displacing the homeowners.

Crews from Holley-Navarre Fire District, Midway, Navarre Beach and Florosa responded to the call from homeowners who said they had heard a pop and could smell smoke inside the home.

“We arrived and saw light smoke coming from the east,” said HNFD Battalion Chief Howie Rounsaville, “Crews were sent in to do an investigation. They saw smoke coming from the corner above the fireplace and opened the ceiling and saw some small amounts of smoke.”

Rounsaville said crews had the fire out within two to three minutes and worked on securing the rest of the structure to ensure there was no additional danger.

Damage to the home was estimated to be roughly $20,000.

During intense storms, firefighters often respond to lightning strikes that cause damage to property.

“When we get bad storms like this, sometimes we can get five or six a night,” said Navarre Beach Fire Chief Mike Howard.