Lightning strike burns

— Fire crews from Pineville, Mo., were assisted by firefighters from Pea Ridge and Bella Vista, Ark., in addition to emergency personnel from Freeman Ambulance Service, responded to a house fire at 190 Old Pea Ridge Road in McDonald County around 4 p.m.

Friday.

Despite the pouring rain, property owner Linda Baird stood outside as the home became fullyengulfed in flames.

“You could see the smoke from up the hill,” said Lieutenant Jim Johnson of Bella Vista Fire Department.

The fire originated in the bedroom and was accidental, caused by a lightning strike, according to McDonald County Deputy Sheriff Kenen Martinez. He said the house was a complete loss within 15 to 30 minutes.

One unidentified male was transported by Freeman Ambulance Service.

News, Pages 1 on 07/21/2010