Two suspected lightning strikes. Firefighters in Columbus, Ohio, responded to two separate fires believed to have been sparked by lightning as storms moved through the region, including a blaze that ripped through a local church. According to WBNS 10TV, large flames tore through the church early Monday morning, leaving extensive damage behind. Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Brian Barnhart told 10TV that officials believe a lightning strike may have caused the fire. 10TV reported that another fire involving a home in the Columbus area was also suspected of being connected to lightning.