Lightning Blamed for Dual House Fires in Apple Valley

Lightning from Sunday night's storm caused fires at two homes on the same street in Apple Valley. Around 11:30 p.m. witnesses say a large bolt of lightning struck the corner of Johnny Cake Ridge Road and Lower 131st Street Court.

One house caught fire and the electrical current followed the gas line underground, igniting a fire at a home two doors down.

Most of the cul-de-sac was evacuated while Centerpoint Energy turned off the gas.

"I just heard a shock of light and I woke up and I felt the wall and it was really hot," said 7-year-old Nicholas Devine who woke up when he heard the clap of lightning. Nicholas and his parents, Joe and Kathryn, made it out of the burning home.

"It happened so fast, and I guess our training, our safety training, paid off because we got out of the house really fast " said Joe Devine.

The flames consumed Nicholas's room, most of his clothing and toys were destroyed. Joe, who recently returned from a year of military service in Afghanistan, was grateful the irreplaceable things were not lost.

"I'm thankful that something this didn't happen while I was gone," Joe Devine said.

To donate clothing (boys size 7 or 8) or toys to the Devine family, you can drop them off at the Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, 12921 Nicollet Avenue (952) 890-3110.