Lightning investigated as possible cause of house fire in Franklin Twp.

An apparent lightning strike is believed to have caused a house fire Wednesday afternoon in Franklin Twp., but the cause remains under investigation, township Fire Chief Tom Snively said.

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Crews were dispatched to the 3500 block of Wilson Farms Boulevard just after 5 p.m. on a report of smoke showing from the second floor of a two-story dwelling. Snively said crews put out the fire quickly.

Scattered storms were in the Warren and Montgomery county region at the time the fire was reported, according to WHIO-TV Chief Meteorologist Eric Elwell.

No residents were home at the time, but firefighters rescued two cats found in the home, he said.

The chief said it was too soon to put a dollar amount on the damage to the structure and its contents.

Clearcreek Twp. fire assisted, Snively said.

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