Lightning Strike Sparks Muskogee House Fire

Lighting is always a potential danger this time of year in Oklahoma. A Muskogee couple is working to see what they can save after a lightning strike Monday caught their house on fire.

The house in Muskogee that was struck by lightning has extensive damage, but despite all the damage, the couple says they're just thankful to be alive.

Just a couple of days ago, Kathy Thompson and Allan Edgar's home was filled with joy, as family members got together for Mother's Day. Now, there is sadness.

"It's devastating. Truly, it's awful. I don't wish this on anybody," Thompson said.

A day after lightning hit the home, causing flames to race across the attic; the adrenaline is replaced with raw emotion.

"It's very scary. There was smoke everywhere," said Thompson. "I came down the street and I just knew it was our house, I just knew it."

Daughter Amanda Billingsly, said, "The look of despair on her face yesterday, was just in my mind last night, I couldn't get it out last night when I layed down to try to sleep."

Firefighters put out the fire quickly, but there is extensive fire, smoke, and water damage.

"There's not much left," Thompson said.

Just about everything is soaked.

"When it's your mama, it's very tough, because you want to bear that for them," Billingsly said.

Neighbors immediately helped to save as much as they could, but most of their belongings are damaged. The family is working to see what they can save.

"You don't ever think that it can happen to you, and it can, and it's scary," Billingsly said.

Edgar was home when the fire started, but he made it out safely. Despite the damage, family members are grateful no one was hurt.

Kathy Thompson, Fire Victim

"I'm grateful it didn't hit my neighbor's house, she's an elderly lady," Thompson said. "I'm glad it hit our house instead of hers, because she probably wouldn't have been able to get out."

The fire caused about $50,000 in damage, plus the emotional toll flames always bring with them, while reinforcing how dangerous and unpredictable Oklahoma's sudden storms can be.

"You never know what you're going to get," Billingsly said.

The couple is getting help from the American Red Cross.