A home in Ooltewah was damaged by fire early Sunday afternoon.
At 4:33 p.m., the homeowner called 911 reporting a fire at the residence at 711 Rocky Shadows Drive (Mountain Shadows subdivision in the Ooltewah area).
The Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department responded and arrived on the scene reporting light smoke showing from the roofline. Firefighters entered the residence and found fire in the bathroom on the second floor and in the rear wall of the house. Firefighters were able to contain the fires throughout the house within 15 minutes.
Fire officials reported the homeowner heard a loud explosion in the house while a large lightning and rain storm passed over the Ooltewah area Sunday afternoon. While he investigated the house for possible damage, he began to smell smoke and immediately evacuated the home.
Fire officials confirmed the cause of the fire was a lightning strike and damages are listed at $25,000. No injuries were reported but Hamilton County Medic 5 was on the scene for any potential injuries to the firefighters.
The homeowner was insured.
The homeowner also reported to fire officials this residence was struck by lightning back in 1989.