A powerful lightning strike during a severe thunderstorm on Monday morning ignited a fire that destroyed the Wilmington, North Carolina, townhouse of WECT co-anchor Bill Murray and his mother, Martha Jo. The pair, along with their two dogs, Cutter and Griffin, escaped the blaze unharmed.
The fire broke out around 1 a.m. Monday in the Barclay Place neighborhood, according to the Wilmington Fire Department. Firefighters were able to contain the flames to the original townhouse, though a connected unit was also affected. Investigators determined that a lightning strike was the cause of the accidental fire.
While the family escaped the disaster safely, they lost their home, belongings, and vehicle. A fundraiser has been established to assist Murray and his mother with recovery efforts, including temporary housing, transportation, and essential daily needs.
Jessica Apicelli, an organizer for the fundraiser, described Murray as a "longtime Wilmington news anchor" who has "dedicated his career to serving our community." The fundraiser states that donations will help the family begin rebuilding their lives after losing nearly everything. WECT reported that Murray's family created the fundraiser to aid in their recovery.