Lightning likely sparked house fire

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Investigators tell WAVY.com lightning likely sparked a house fire in Williamsburg.

The homeowners called the fire department just after midnight Monday to report their house was hit by lightning.

Crews from York County and James City County were dispatched to the house in the 200 block of John Wythe Place. They arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the chimney area and the second floor, said WFD Chief Eric Stone.

The house was heavily damaged and the fire displaced the husband and wife who lived there.

A firefighter was taken to the hospital for minor burns to the face, but he is expected to be okay.

Chief Stone said a home in the 100 block of Patrick's Crossing was also struck by lightning. The house received minor damage and the family will be able to stay there.

The overnight storm caused other damage on the peninsula, including trees knocked down onto roads and on a railroad track.