TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Authorities in Topeka are blaming a lightning strike for a fire that forced several people out of an apartment complex.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (https://bit.ly/1irDIg1 ) a man working at a nearby automotive shop heard a loud boom around 11 a.m. Sunday, then saw flames erupt on the roof of an apartment building.
Fire Department shift commander Mike Thompson says the witness called authorities before helping two women get out of their apartments.
Crews fought the fire during a thunderstorm. Thompson says the fire moved into the attic, then was spread by high winds across the entire roof.
No injuries were reported, but one apartment was extensively damaged and four or five others had smoke and water damage. The American Red Cross was helping tenants find places to stay.
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Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, https://www.cjonline.com
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