2 Maricopa fires likely lightning-caused

MARICOPA, AZ - Officials say two fires in Maricopa overnight were likely caused by lightning.

Brad Pitassi with the Maricopa Fire Department said the first fire was reported about midnight near Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway and White and Parker Road when hay bales caught fire.

Pitassi said this is the second time there has been a lightning strike fire at this property. No structures are threatened.

At around 3:30 a.m. homeowners near Maricopa-Casa Grand Highway and John Wayne Parkway called about an attic fire that may have been sparked by lightning.

Richard Herold told ABC15 he smelled smoke and his wife gathered everybody up while he checked on the source of the fire.

Herold said when he went outside he saw the front of his house on fire.

His wife then got everyone out of the house.

Pitassi said there was extensive damage to the roof but the home will be able to be repaired.

Herold said he and his family will stay with other family members while the home is repaired.