A HOUSE fire broke out in Mudeford after the roof of the property was struck by lightning in a fierce thunderstorm.

Andrew and Joanne Thompson were at their home in Merlin Way when they heard a loud bang shortly after 3.30pm on Sunday, October 23.

Tiles came flying off the roof and a fire broke out at the detached property.

The fire service were called and multiple crews rushed to the seen to stop the blaze from spreading and engulfing the whole property.

The couple were able to escape from the fire shaken but unharmed.

Mr Thompson, who was in the room where the section of roof was hit by lighting, told the Daily Echo: “I was just watching the football when suddenly I heard this huge bang and the whole close heard it.

“I thought the television had exploded. We could smell it. There was a fire in the roof and a load of smoke.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Mrs Thompson said: “We think it hit the chimney and came down the flue. It smelt like an electrical fire.”

After getting the blaze under control, the firefighters were able to move some of the couple’s possessions to a safe place.

“They were here within 10 minutes,” Mrs Thompson said. “They have been absolutely amazing as have all of our neighbours.”

She added: “Thank god the whole house hasn’t burnt down. I was panicking. I was in shock. The damaged was contained to just two rooms.”

Bournemouth Echo:

The homeowners, who have lived in the property since late 2020, said they were extremely grateful for the swift actions of fire crews in dealing with the blaze, which was led by incident commander Jack Whitton, crew manager from Christchurch.

Before leaving the scene, the crews ensured the roof of the property was secure by placing a large tarpaulin over one side of the house.

Adam Moss, of Springbourne Fire Station, said: “We had a house which was struck by lightning this afternoon. Everyone got out safe and well.

Bournemouth Echo:

“The first crew from Christchurch turned up and started extinguishing the fire externally. It was extinguished using breathing apparatus and the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne.

“A lot of damage to the roof. One bedroom has a lot of damage to it, other than that the house is saved.”