Fire crews in Calgary battled a pair of house fires early Tuesday evening in the southeast community of Sundance, both ignited by lightning strikes during a severe thunderstorm that pummeled the area.
Two Homes Struck
Emergency services responded to the fires after lightning hit the two residences, according to reports from the scene. The blazes broke out as a powerful storm moved through southeast Calgary, bringing intense lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds.
Firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to neighboring properties. No injuries have been reported, but the homes sustained significant damage.
Storm Impact
The storm was part of a larger weather system affecting southern Alberta. Environment Canada had issued severe thunderstorm warnings for the region earlier in the day, cautioning residents about the risk of lightning, large hail, and damaging winds.
Local authorities urged residents to stay indoors and avoid travel until the storm passed. The lightning strikes in Sundance highlight the dangers posed by such weather events, which are common during Alberta's summer months.
Community Response
Neighbors reported hearing loud thunderclaps and seeing flashes of light before the fires started. One resident, who asked not to be named, said, "It was terrifying. The whole sky lit up, and then we saw smoke rising from the houses."
The Calgary Fire Department confirmed that both fires were under control by early evening and that crews would remain on site to monitor for hotspots. The cause of the fires was officially attributed to lightning.
