ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Lightning sparked a fire at an apartment building caused the roof to partially collapse and forced evacuations Wednesday, according to Orange County Fire Rescue.
The fire was reported as severe storms made their way through Orange County on Wednesday afternoon at an apartment building near 10024 Colonial Grand Blvd.
The battalion chief confirmed to News 6 that lightning caused the fire.
Crews said fire and smoke could be seen pouring from the roof when they arrived on scene.
#APTF2- 10024 Colonial Grand Blvd: 2 alarm apt fire, smoke and fire from the roof. 3 units involved, partial roof collapse. Building evacuated. Updates to follow.
— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) July 5, 2023
Firefighters said at least six apartments were burned in the fire, and 30 people were chased out of their homes. Crews said everyone managed to escape the building safely.
The Red Cross is helping those who had to leave their homes because of the fire.
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