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Dog dies after lightning strikes Haines City home, causing fire

Lightning Strike Fire
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HAINES CITY, Fla — A Haines City home caught on fire after it was struck by lightning Sunday afternoon, officials said.

The Haines City Fire Department (HCFD) said that firefighters went to the 500 block of Cattle Ranch Road around 3:30 p.m. When they arrived, they saw a hole burned through the roof and flames going 30 feet in the air.

Lightling Strike Fire Haines City 1.jpg

Crews said they were able to get the fire under control in an hour.

Lightling Strike Fire Haines City 2.jpg

No injuries were reported in the fire, but the homeowner's dog died due to smoke inhalation.

The State Fire Marshal confirmed the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

'Cruise lights' on Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office patrol cars raise questions, confusion among drivers

Every driver knows that when you see red and blue flashing lights on a patrol car, you slow down, pull over, or get out of the way.

But in Hillsborough County, drivers will also now see deputies with their lights on, but not flashing. They're called "cruise lights," and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) recently implemented their use on all patrol vehicles.

"Cruise lights" on HCSO patrol cars raise questions and confusion among drivers