HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A Klein-area homeowner said he had just left his house to run an errand when he got a call from a frantic neighbor.
"My neighbor called (and) said lightning had hit the roof and the roof was on fire -- (they) were on the phone with 911 while they were talking to me," Joshua Westbrooks said.
Neighbors from across the street recorded video of the aftermath as firefighters worked to put out the flames.
"We were able to contain the fire to the attic and preserve most of the first floor," Klein Fire Department Captain Kyle Flores said.
But, since the damage was so extensive, the family wasn't able to stay in the house where they raised their kids.
"I guess the first step is to find a place to stay tonight and how to we begin to repair? It's our home. We raised our kids here," Ann Westbrooks said.
Even with the extensive damage to their home, the Westbrooks are counting their blessings.
"I was blessed I wasn't home, my wife wasn't home, I had just left, kids grown and gone. We are thankful for that," Joshua Westbrooks said.
The family is worried that with more rain coming, they're able to patch the massive hole in the roof before more damage is done.
The Klein Fire Department said the fire was likely caused by lighting but they need to wait for the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office to determine the cause.