A lightning strike caused a house to catch fire in Washington Tuesday morning. As severe storms rolled through eastern Iowa Tuesday, thunder could be heard as lightning was present in the area. At around 8:45 a.m. an emergency call was received by the Washington County Safety Center for a house fire caused by a lightning strike. The fire was at 723 North 2nd Avenue in Washington.

As heard live from the scene on KCII, smoke was coming from the second-floor windows on the northeast and east sides of the home. Fire fighters entered the two-story house with air tanks. The crews broke windows and checked for hot spots. The Washington and Ainsworth Fire Departments extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.

Also assisting at the scene were Washington Police, Washington County Ambulance, Washington County Emergency Management, and Alliant Energy. The Red Cross was contacted and put on alert, as they can provide temporary housing assistance and financial assistance for immediate needs.