Dallas weather: 6 fires reported amid early morning North Texas thunderstorms
Lightning suspected in multiple North Texas fires
Several fires early Friday morning were likely caused by a round of lightning storms moving through North Texas. FOX 4's Lori Brown talked to some of the homeowners.
NORTH TEXAS - Multiple structure fires were reported across North Texas early Friday following heavy thunderstorms, with fire officials confirming at least some of the blazes were lightning-related.
Fire Incidents Following Morning Storms
What we know:
Emergency crews responded to at least six separate structure fires in the early hours of Friday morning. While the exact cause is still under investigation for all cases, officials have confirmed that some were directly caused by lightning strikes. No injuries were reported.
Gristmill Lane in Frisco (Collin County)
At 4:30 a.m., Frisco firefighters were dispatched to a two-story home on Gristmill Lane just north of State Highway 121, near Ohio Drive. Crews found flames extending through the roof. It is unclear whether lightning was the source, but the fire began during a thunderstorm.
The homeowner did not want to talk on camera but told FOX 4 he initially did not realize the house was on fire. But eventually, his wife smelled smoke. Their home suffered significant damage from both the fire and water.
Ladera Height Boulevard in Frisco (Collin County)
A confirmed lightning strike hit a house on Ladera Height Boulevard, causing light smoke in the attic and smoldering on the roof. The damage in that fire was contained to a small area.
Hornby Lane in Flower Mound (Denton County)
In Flower Mound, another home was hit just after 3 a.m. Homeowner Russell Houck said they were very blessed that no one was hurt. Their smoke detector didn't go off because the fire was in the attic of the garage.
"There was one lightning so loud it sounded like glass breaking. Janet went upstairs. I went downstairs. She looked out a window and saw the smoke," he said.
Parkhaven Drive in Flower Mound (Denton County)
A second two-story house fire in Flower Mound was reported around 4 a.m., caused by an attic fire.
Whistling Duck Lane in Double Oak (Denton County)
Firefighters arrived at a two-story residence in the Denton County town of Double Oak around 3:45 a.m. to find smoke showing from the garage.
Elm Place in Northlake (Denton County)
Another two-story home caught fire around 3:45 a.m. in the Denton County town of Northlake. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire coming from the roof.
Jack Evans Street in Dallas (Dallas County)
A two-alarm fire was reported in the basement of a high-rise building off Ross Avenue around 3:45 a.m.
What they're saying:
All of the homeowners that FOX 4 spoke to said they were thankful to the firefighters who quickly responded as the storm continued.
North Texas Severe Weather Friday Night
Residents should remain highly aware of the forecast, as North Texas prepares for another round of potentially severe weather moving in Friday night. These thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall and more severe conditions.
The greatest threats will be strong winds and the potential for tornadoes, particularly west of Interstate 35. Heavy rainfall could lead to totals of 4 to 5 inches by Saturday, significantly increasing the flood risk across the region.
Featured
Dallas weather: Severe storms bring flood, wind, hail, tornado risks this weekend
North Texas is on alert for high-impact storms this weekend with primary concerns being widespread flooding, gusty winds, hail, and a slight risk of tornadoes in western areas.
DOWNLOAD FOX 4'S WAPP | Get live interactive radar, storm watches and warnings, hourly forecasts and more on FOX 4's free weather app.
The Source: Information in this article comes from FOX 4 reporters at the scene of the fires and official DFW scanners.