Lightning strike near Pine Manor home sparks car battery fire

PINE MANOR, Fla. (WINK) — South Trail Fire & Rescue responded to a possible vehicle fire believed to have been caused by lightning striking a nearby tree.

Firefighters found splintered exit marks on the tree, damaged concrete and exterior damage to the home. The vehicle's battery was overheating and smoking, with multiple melted fuses.

The incident serves as a reminder that lightning doesn't have to directly strike a home to cause serious damage. When thunder roars or a lightning detector sounds, people should go indoors immediately.

A porch, lanai or screened patio protects from rain but not lightning. People should get under a solid roof and behind closed doors until the storm has passed.