Southeast Columbia house fire caused by lightning strike

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A southeast Columbia neighborhood saw a large response from firefighters on Thursday morning.

Crews were called to the 2300 block of Bluff Creek Drive for a basement fire. Assistant Chief Lester Shewmake said smoke was showing from the front of the home when firefighters arrived.

A fire was found in the basement and crews quickly extinguished it before checking for additional hot spots.

Officials confirmed later at a joint press conference that the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

Five firetrucks were at the scene.