Police believe lightning strikes may be to blame for two house fires that broke out in Caledon and one in Mississauga as thunderstorms rolled through the region Tuesday morning.
There were widespread reports of lightning, thunder and rain when the fires broke out within hours of each other.
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Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings that were issued in southern Ontario have been cancelled.
At one point, 20,000 Hydro One customers in southwestern Ontario were without power because of the storms.
Ontario Provincial Police said the first house fire in Caledon occurred on Healey Road at 4:35 a.m.
Everyone escaped without injury.
About six minutes later, firefighters and police responded to a house fire on Key Lime Court.
At 6:30 a.m., a house fire was reported on Torrisdale Lane in Mississauga.
Witnesses told Peel Regional Police that the home's roof was ablaze. A large hole was visible in the roof.
Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fires, but it's believed the houses were struck by lightning.
Downed wires
Lightning is believed to be responsible for some storm damage in Toronto, as well.
Several hydro poles were "compromised" by lightning on Midland Avenue, just south of McNicoll Avenue, in Scarborough, Toronto police said.
One of the poles snapped in half and came to rest against a building.
There are no reports of injuries.
Fire crews were also called to Milner and Morningside avenues for downed wires.
