SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A lightning strike likely sparked a large fire late Friday at an apartment complex at Oviedo on the Park, displacing 41 residents, officials said.
The fire was reported at a three-story building that houses 50 units.
Oviedo Fire Chief Nichlaus Dorey said patrons at a nearby restaurant spotted the fire and called 911.
Flames were shooting through the roof of the building when firefighters arrived, Dorey said. There were no initial reports of injuries, he added.
Dorey estimated that 50% of the building was destroyed.
The Red Cross will assist residents affected by the fire.
It’s believed that lightning caused the fire, but the state fire marshal will investigate.