A house fire was terrifying for residents who live along Heritage Drive in Wheeling.

Smoke billowed from the roof and flames shot out of the second story, and while crews worked, many neighbors stood by in stunned silence.

"I heard a loud boom and thought it was a tree that had been struck by lightning," a neighbor said.

Officials believe lightning struck the house.

But, the fire wasn't the only problem fire crews faced. They arrived about 3:30 p.m., and after an hour working in the heat, another storm rolled through.

Crews were afraid some of their equipment and the wet conditions would act as a conductor for the lightning.

Dozens of fire departments from around the Ohio Valley came to help, and dozens of residents chipped in to help firefighters save what they could.

Officials said the family of five that lives in the house is on vacation in Florida and was alerted by family members who live in the area.

Officials said the home is a total loss.