Fire breaks out at west Houston apartment building

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A local woman says lightning is to blame for a west Houston apartment fire but the fire department isn't so sure that's the cause.

The fire started at the Brook Wood Village Apartments about 3:15pm.

This happened just as heavy storms and lighting were hitting that area. A resident says she saw a flash of lightning and heard a loud clap of thunder right overhead then she noticed the roof was on fire.

"We don't have any indications that lightning was the cause of this fire. Nothing electrical or distinguishing marks from lightning," said Deputy Chief Fernando Herrera with the Houston Fire Department.

HFD arson is investigating the cause and the Red Cross is helping a few displaced residents.