Lightning Deemed Likely Cause Of Apartment Complex Fire

Officials say a fire believed to have started after a lightning strike has damaged 10 apartments in a complex on the northwest side of Columbus. Battalion Chief Tracy Smith says all the residents escaped unharmed from The Millington apartment complex before flames engulfed it. The blaze began about 8:40 p.m. Sunday. Smith says part of the roof collapsed and flames were leaping 35 to 40 feet in the air. Firefighters believe the fire started after the building was struck by lightning. The American Red Cross is assisting residents who have been displaced.