Shreveport Church Struck by Lightning

A lightning strike caused heavy fire damage to a sanctuary in west Shreveport this afternoon.

The Shreveport Fire Department received an emergency 911 call from a concerned citizen just after noon, saying lightning had struck a hood vent at Bright Star Baptist Church in the 3300 block of Meriwether Road.

Firefighters arrived minutes later to find smoke billowing from the roof. Crews had the flames under control within 35 minutes.

Investigators confirm the fire started when lightning struck a metal roof vent and ignited ordinary combustibles in the attic. Estimated fire damage is $150,000. The fire has been classified as being from natural causes. No injuries have been reported.