Ormond Beach house fire sparked by lightning

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Ormond Beach firefighters on Friday quickly contained a house fire, at 919 Northbrook Drive, believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.  

Four occupants and their two dogs were safely evacuated from the home, without injury by the Ormond Beach Police Department.  

John Carloni said he was just relaxing in his home when the bolt struck his roof over the garage and kitchen, around 6 p.m.  He said he didn't even realize that his house was on fire, until a police officer ran in, telling him that he and his family needed to get out of the home.  A neighbor had called already called 911 to alert the fire department.

"Listen, it is what it is. God chose this house," Carloni said. "Thank God he called, because if he didn't call, the fire probably would have progressed to a more out of control situation." Carloni and his family rent and do not have renter's insurance, but they said they are working things out with his landlord and will likely stay with friends for now.

Damages are estimated to be approximately $45,000.  Ormond Beach Fire Department was assisted by Volusia County Fire Services.