Plano Fire-Rescue responded to several structure fires Friday morning, many believed to have been sparked by lightning strikes as severe thunderstorms swept through North Texas.
The department handled multiple incidents, including a two-story house on Gull Lake Drive with flames through the roof and a reported lightning strike. Units including ENG10, MED10, BATT2 and others were assigned, per DFW Scanner.
Additional fires were reported on Field Cove Drive (an attic fire with flames through the roof) and at a mobile home at 4500 14th St., with smoke and fire showing. Officials noted several houses and at least one apartment building hit by lightning, with some resulting in working fires.
The fires occurred as heavy rains caused widespread flooding across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
Reports indicate that Dallas Fire-Rescue deployed all 59 engines for high-water rescues as roads, including underpasses, became impassable. Commuters faced major delays, and DFW Airport experienced a lightning-related ground stop. No injuries were immediately reported from the flooding or fires. Officials urged drivers to “turn around, don’t drown” and avoid flooded roadways.
Plano Fire-Rescue was busy Friday morning, as all fires appear to have been caused by lightning strikes, according to a post shared in local community groups citing the department’s activity.
The National Weather Service reported ongoing heavy rain and flash flooding this morning as storms shifted eastward across North Texas, while local meteorologists documented intense lightning activity with thousands of strikes in the region.
Plano and surrounding cities have seen repeated impacts from such weather. Residents were advised to stay clear of emergency scenes and exercise caution on roadways.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with Friday’s fires or flooding as of mid-morning. Plano Fire-Rescue has not yet released official confirmation on the causes of the blazes, which scanner reports indicated were sparked by lightning strikes. Investigations into the incidents remain ongoing.
