House catches fire during thunderstorm

A house in the 400 block of Forrest Avenue caught fire Friday night during a thunderstorm, and lightning is being considered as a cause.

According to acting shift commander Nathan Stover, firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire, which caught in the house at 415 Forrest Ave. The call came in about 7:37 p.m.

Cordley Elementary teacher Christy Kelly lives at the house, but was not home at the time. A dog was rescued from the house, and a cat was taken to a vet. Smoke was coming from the roof and witnesses saw flames shooting out of the house.

Firefighters canceled the fire call about 10 p.m., but are watching the house overnight.

Kelly won a Bobs’ Award in May 2010 for outstanding teaching. The Lawrence Schools Foundation gives a $10,000 check along with the award, which was established by a group of anonymous local civic leaders who are all named Bob.