Lightning Believed to be Cause of Leland House Fire

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. - Fire officials believe lightning is to blame for a house fire in Leland.

It broke out in the Waterford Community on Tuesday.

The homeowner wasn't home at the time, but several pets were killed.

Officials say fires caused by lightning strikes can spread quickly.

"Fires typically of those nature will start in the attic and then fully spread throughout the attic without the homeowner knowing, and then generally it'll start burning down once the ceiling starts collapsing and setting stuff inside, which is the case with this," Leland Fire/Rescue Chief John Grimes said.

The house is a total loss.