Lightning causes house fire; family escapes unharmed

KENNESAW, Ga. - Overnight storms are being blamed for a house fire in Kennesaw.

Firefighters said lightning likely struck a home on Frog Leap Trail early Friday morning and caused it to go up in flames. 

Fred Holmes told investigators he was at home with his wife, three sons and his mother-in-law when the fire broke out. He said he heard a loud boom of thunder beforehand and then smelled smoke. His wife smelled it too, so they started to investigate. Holmes said it didn't take long to figure out what was going on.  

"I'm just glad everyone got out safe," Holmes said. 

The family was able to escape unharmed and sought shelter at a neighbor's house. That neighbor said the weather was terrible when the lightning struck. 

Holmes told FOX 5 his family was headed to a place set up through their insurance company. 

Most of the damage to the home is contained to the attic and roof area.