Update June 16

According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal the occupant of the home has been displaced due to damage caused by the fire.

It took 45 firefighters about ten minutes to control the flames that caused $80,000 worth of damage.

The fire, caused by a lightning strike, originated in the ceiling of the garage and was discovered by a neighbor.

LEXINGTON PARK, MD – On June 14 at approximately 9:42 p.m., a call was placed to the 911 communications center for a reported house fire caused by a lightning strike. The incident occurred on Lookout Drive in the Westbury subdivision of Lexington Park.

This was the evening’s third call for a house fire caused by a lightning strike in St. Mary’s County as a severe thunderstorm passed through the county.
Witnesses reported that they heard a loud bang and within moments saw smoke coming from a 3 story townhome.

Volunteers from Bay District Fire Department, Lexington Park Rescue Squad, Hollywood Fire Department, Hollywood Rescue Squad, Valley Lee Fire Department, Ridge Fire Department, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and Solomons Fire Department all responded to the fire.

The homeowner was able to escape unharmed and firefighters were able to locate one cat alive. There was still a search for at least two other cats at the time this story was filed.

PHOTOS BY SUZZi COPELAND

UPDATE

LEXINGTON PARK, MD – Fire and rescue crews have been dispatched to a blaze on Lookout Drive in the Westbury subdivision of Lexington Park, sources report. The responders are still on the scene.

There have been a number of fires reported in St. Mary’s County this evening including one that may have been sparked by a lightning strike. At this time there are no confirmed injuries reported from any of the incidents.

St. Mary’s County, MD – The Bay Net has received information from sources that fire and rescue crews have been dispatched to an apartment building fire in the Great Mills area. Sources have indicated the blaze may have been sparked by lightning and there may be injuries. More details as they become available.

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