SABATTUS — A lightning strike Saturday afternoon might have caused a fire that damaged the roof, attic and second floor of an occupied house in Sabattus, according to officials.

Chief Troy Cailler of the Sabattus Fire Department said firefighters were dispatched to 28 Holden St. after a neighbor called 911 at about 4:30 p.m.

Cailler said lightning during a storm is suspected of causing the blaze at the 2 1/2-story house.

Light smoke was showing when firefighters arrived, according to Cailler. They found flames in the attic with damage to the second floor of the home, which they were able to bring under control within a half-hour.

The two homeowners were inside the building at the time, but were able to exit safely, Cailler said, and none of the occupants or firefighters was injured.

Damage to the house has been estimated at $75,000.

Although the first floor of the house is habitable, the building is unoccupied due to electrical issues. It will likely remain unoccupied until code enforcement and electrical inspectors have fully assessed the structure and made sure it is safe, according to Cailler.

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