NEWCASTLE – Lightning is being blamed for a fire that destroyed a Newcastle home, leaving a family of five homeless.

Fire Chief Clayton Huntley Jr. says neighbors saw the two-story home being struck by lightning. Luke and Laura Houghton’s house was located near Damariscotta Lake. The couple and their three children, ages 4, 2 and 5 months, are expected to stay with relatives until other housing arrangements can be made.

Huntley says the house was in flames when firefighters from Newcastle, Damariscotta and Nobleboro arrived about 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Huntley says the family was not in the home at the time of the fire, but their dog was killed. He called the house a total loss.