Lightning may be the cause of three fires throughout Pinellas County Wednesday afternoon.

Fire crews responded to 531 Cork Street NE in Largo around 2 p.m.

The occupants stated they believed the home was struck by lightning and there was smoke coming from the attic.

No injuries were reported.

Crews also responded to fires at 9209 Seminole Blvd. in Seminole and 4974 Ridgemoor Circle in Palm Harbor.

6 life-saving lightning safety tips

  • 1. Go inside.
    Stay inside until the storm has passed. You are not safe anywhere outside during a thunderstorm.
     
  • 2. Use the 30-30 rule.
    Count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. If the time is less than 30 seconds, lightning is a threat. Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last rumble of thunder before going outside. Lightning can strike up to 15 miles away from a storm.
     
  • 3. Avoid tall objects.
    If you can't get inside, don't stand under a tree or tall objects, as they attract lightning. The second leading cause of lightning casualities occur when standing under a tree.
     
  • 4. Get out of the water immediately.
    It doesn't matter if you are swimming in a pool or even taking a bath or a shower. In older homes, metal pipes leading into showers, sinks, and tubs are a danger because metal conducts electricity.  Water is also a good conductor.
     
  • 5. Stay off corded telephones.
    Your cell phone is safe.
     
  • 6. Unplug your home electronics.