As storms bear down on the Metro Richmond region, Chesterfield fire crews responded to a house fire in the northern part of the county.
Fire officials tell NBC12 News that crews were called to the 4100 block of October Road, just off Hopkins Road near Falling Creek elementary and middle schools just after 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Seven companies responded to the scene of the fire that caused significant damage to the attic and first floor of the home.
According to fire officials, two people got out of the home on their own, but the family’s cat died in the fire that took just over a half-hour to contain.
Chesterfield fire investigators said they believe this fire was started by lightning from the series of strong storms that made their way through the area, producing frequent and dangerous lightning.