Investigators: Apartment fire sparked by lightning

Columbus firefighters say a blaze in an apartment building yesterday that left 18 people homeless, was started by lightning.

Capt. Mike Wilson, spokesman for the fire department, says that firefighters were called to the 300 block of Wint Lane to Stonegate Apartments at about 5:45 p.m. Sunday after heavy smoke was seen coming from the roof of a two-story apartment building.

Stonegate Apartment property officials said 12 apartment units were damaged in the fire. Red Cross and Salvation Army are working to help the families who lost their homes.

Wilson said investigators found that the fire originated in the attic space above the second story living space, causing heavy fire damage to the roof and attic.