House fire during heavy thunderstorms, not weather related

ARCHER LODGE – A house at 117 Amsterdam Drive, Clayton, was destroyed by flames on Thursday afternoon. The fire was reported as strong thunderstorms and gusty winds swept through the county, but officials said the blaze was not weather related.

At 16:11, Northside, Clayton, Corinth Holders and Wilson’s Mills fire services were dispatched to a working house fire. When emergency services arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from the two-story home. Due to the extreme weather conditions, it took 90 minutes to contain the fire.

Johnston County Fire Marshal Adam Stanley said the National Weather Service was consulted and ruled out lightning as the cause. During the investigation, fire investigators were able to determine that the fire started around the back porch and quickly spread down the back of the house and up the roof. Winds associated with the thunderstorms helped the fire spread quickly.

The fire was ruled accidental due to improperly disposed of smoke materials.

“Everyone is encouraged to use a metal bucket of sand to put discarded smoking materials in when they are done with it. It’s also good practice to clean the bucket very regularly,” said Fire Marshal Stanley.

One person inside and their pet escaped unharmed. The Red Cross responded and helped the burn victim.