AFD responds to two house fires caused by lightning

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Fire Department says that crews on Monday responded to two different house fires started by lightning.

AFD reported the first fire at a home in the 12900 block of Windy Gap Drive in Manchaca just before 5:30 p.m. Crews were assisting Emergency Services District 5 with the fire.

AFD crews assisted ESD 5 crews with fighting a house fire caused by lightning in the 12900 block of Windy Gap Drive in Manchaca. (Austin Fire Department)

AFD says that a lightning strike caused the fire, which had heavy attic involvement when crews arrived. It is currently unknown if anyone was inside the home at the time.

AFD crews assisted ESD 5 crews with fighting a house fire caused by lightning in the 12900 block of Windy Gap Drive in Manchaca. (Austin Fire Department)

About 15 minutes later, AFD reported a second house fire caused by lightning. As of 5:41 p.m., AFD says the fire at the home in the 1400 block of Salem Meadow Circle in South Austin is under control.

A lightning strike had caused a fire in the wall of the home, says AFD. It is currently unknown if anyone was inside the home at the time.