The William Stemple residence on Spring Run, Arnoldsburg, was reportedly struck by lightning about 4:20 p.m. Thursday, causing the house to be filled with smoke and billows of smoke pouring from the eaves of the dwelling.

Stemple's wife, Nancy, was in the residence when the fire started and called 911.

Firemen brought the blaze under control, reports indicating it was confined to a small area of the house, burning through a floor.

The Upper West Fork and the Arnoldsburg VFDs responded to the incident.

Stemple is a former member of the House of Delegates and a former Calhoun sheriff.

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