Officials: Lightning strike may have sparked fire that destroyed more than half of Mississippi house

Published 11:24 am Saturday, March 9, 2024

Officials suspect a lightning strike may have caused a fire that destroyed more than half a house Friday.

No one was injured in a house fire on First North Street in Vicksburg Friday afternoon.

Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps told WLBT News in Jackson that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but that he suspects that lightning may have been the cause of the blaze.

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The Vicksburg Post reports that the fire began just before 1 p.m., when smoke could be seen pouring from the roof of the home, located at 1312 First North Street,  just off Clay Street. Within minutes, the rear of the home was fully involved.

“Firefighters arrived on the scene with flames showing,” Stamps said Friday afternoon, adding firefighters were still at the location performing “salvage and overhaul tasks” in order to ensure the fire did not rekindle. “Over half of the structure was destroyed.”

Stamps said the home is an occupied address, but confirmed no one was injured during the incident.

Stamps also thanked local fire officials for their support in responding to the call.

“VFD would like to thank Fire Coordinator Jerry Briggs and the Warren County Fire Department for their assistance in this fire,” he said. “We are very appreciative of their service and dedication to assist whenever called upon.”