Residents of a home in Emersons Green, Bristol, narrowly escaped harm when lightning struck their house, causing a fire during a thunderstorm. The incident occurred just before 6 pm on Monday, June 22. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion and then witnessing thick black smoke rising from the property as flames engulfed the roof and first floor.
Videos shared on social media captured the intense blaze as firefighters from multiple stations, including Kingswood, Temple, Southmead, Patchway, and Portishead, worked to contain the fire. Avon Fire and Rescue Service received reports of the fire at around 5:55 pm and described the house as “well alight” upon their arrival.
Before the thunderstorm struck, the Fire and Rescue Service had warned about the incoming hot and humid weather that could pose risks. They advised the public to stay safe during the heatwave and cautioned against potential fire hazards like barbecues and bonfires in such conditions.
The lightning strike was one of five incidents in Bristol and Somerset on Monday linked to thunderstorms that temporarily halted the ongoing heatwave. A yellow weather warning was issued for the Southwest of England as a brief spell of low pressure passed through the region.
Although the rain has subsided, meteorologists predict that temperatures could soar to 45°C by the end of the week, potentially breaking the UK’s highest recorded temperature for June. The current record stands at 35.6°C set in Southampton in June 1976.
