Dramatic photo captures harrowing moment lightning strikes Bristol home engulfing it in flames

Dramatic photo captures harrowing moment lightning strikes Bristol home engulfing it in flames Neighbours in Emersons Green, Bristol heard an "explosion" after lightning struck the property during thunderstorms which set the roof ablaze on Monday night Residents escaped unharmed after lightning struck a home and set it ablaze during thunderstorms. The roof and first floor of the property were engulfed in flames after the strike in Emersons Green, Bristol, just before 6pm on Monday, June 22. Neighbours reported hearing an “explosion” before seeing thick black smoke billowing into the sky as the fire tore through the property. One neighbour said: “We are in the next road and the explosion was quite something. We knew something had been hit as soon as it happened and then saw the smoke. I’m so glad no one was injured.” Videos shared on social media showed flames enveloping much of the roof while plumes of black smoke rose into the sky. Firefighters were seen using hoses as they battled to bring the blaze under control. Avon Fire and Rescue Service said it received reports of the fire at around 5.55pm. A spokesperson said: “Upon arrival, crews found the house well alight.” Crews from Kingswood, Temple, Southmead, Patchway and Portishead fire stations were called to the scene. The house suffered significant damage, with the roof completely destroyed and the first floor also damaged by the fire. Before the incident, Avon Fire and Rescue Service had warned that an “exceptional spell of hot and humid weather” was on the way and could “impact everyone”. The service urged people to stay safe in the heat and warned that open water, which may appear tempting during hot weather, could be dangerous. Firefighters also cautioned that barbecues and unnecessary bonfires could spark fires in the conditions. The fire was one of five incidents attended by Avon Fire and Rescue Service that were linked to lightning strikes across Bristol and Somerset during Monday’s thunderstorms. Thunderstorms momentarily ended the heatwave which has seen temperatures soar this week. A yellow weather warning was in place as a brief band of low pressure moved across the Southwest of England on Monday night. A Met Office forecast had said: "An area of thunderstorms moving east across the area will bring a spell of frequent lightning, gusty winds, torrential rain, and a few places, hail." But the rain has cleared today and some meteorologists believe temperatures could reach 45C by the end of this week. So, it is now expected that the current UK highest temperature on record for June will very likely be broken, this being 35.6°C recorded in Southampton in June 1976.