HUDSON, Texas (KTRE) – With the arrival of summer, the likelihood of lightning strikes on the ground rises as reported by the National Weather Service. Although the extent of damage differs, two families in Angelina County now have firsthand evidence of just how severe these lightning strikes can be.
On Wednesday, smoke billowed out through the windows and remnants of the rooftop of a house on the 3600 block of Ted Trout Drive in Hudson following the incident.
struck by lightning
Tuesday evening.
The family stated that they were trying to collect some of their possessions from the house at approximately 2 a.m. on Wednesday when the flames reignited.
James Stewart along with his family is currently evaluating the extent of the damage to their residence in Hudson caused by Tuesday’s blaze. According to him, the fire began when lightning hit the house; subsequently, even though the initial flames were contained, they reignited several hours afterward.
“We were inside searching for the animals when we spotted a chance to grab some of our children’s clothing. Suddenly, the ceiling caved in on us. I started scooping water onto the ceiling to prevent the fire from spreading,” Stewart explained.
Hudson VFD conducts regular checks at the house and sprays when necessary. He mentions that his family is doing fine; they received assistance from a neighbor with accommodation and a Walmart staff member named Pam purchased essential items for them.
The family is likewise looking after the pets they succeeded in saving.
At around the same time on Tuesday afternoon, another residence was hit in Lufkin. The homeowner, Kyle Pendleton, was nearby when this occurred.
“It rattled the entire house; it sounded as though a bomb had exploded,” Pendleton stated.
Once the turmoil calmed down, he noticed his guesthouse’s roof was burning. Pendleton expressed gratitude towards the swift action of the Lufkin Fire Department. Nonetheless, despite their assistance, the lightning strike resulted in considerable destruction.
“There was water, along with insulation and drywall scattered all around. Luckily, nobody was injured; that’s truly the most crucial aspect,” Pendleton stated.
He mentioned that their guesthouse requires maintenance work, and part of the piping in their primary residence needs fixing as well. Additionally, they have lost a vehicle since the electrical system reportedly made his Jeep malfunction.
Pendleton stated that the insurance will arrive, and then we’ll proceed to see what options they offer.
Lufkin Fire Chief Jesse Moody stated that preventing lightning strikes is not possible. Although there’s always some level of danger, such incidents are uncommon. Every year, he mentioned, they receive at least one emergency call about a house being struck by lightning.
“One of the key elements that can greatly assist you is securing comprehensive homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance. This way, should such an incident occur, it will be managed through your policy coverage. Following the event, please contact us and we’ll dispatch someone to assess your property, shut off the power supply, and work towards making your residence secure,” Moody stated.
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