Only On 8: ‘It was complete terror,’ Chesterfield family shares their story after lightning sparks house fire

Jul 4, 2025 - 03:25

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Only On 8: ‘It was complete terror,’ Chesterfield family shares their story after lightning sparks house fire

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Chesterfield County family is sharing their story after lightning struck their home during a storm, sparking a fire that forced them out and left behind devastating damage.

The Cardona family told 8News in an exclusive interview that they've lived in their home on Ivytree Terrace for nearly five years -- but the afternoon of Tuesday, July 1, everything changed in an instant.

“That’s where he was when the lightning struck, right over here,” said Rafael Cardona, pointing to the corner of his 19-year-old son’s bedroom, where flames first broke out.

That son, David Cardona, was home alone when he heard a loud "boom" and suddenly saw smoke.

July 1 house fire on Ivytree Terrace, sparked by a lightning strike. (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)

“From the top floor, I just bolted downstairs,” David said. “I looked over at the smoke … and it just turned into a giant fire. I immediately thought, ‘I’ve got to get back inside and get my pets.’”

Risking his life, David ran back into the burning home to rescue as many of the family’s seven pets as he could.

“I’d look for one of my dogs, bring them down, get them on a leash, take them outside, give them to a neighbor,” he said. “By the time I got back up to my room, it was already covered in smoke. I just thought, 'This is a lost cause.'”

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His quick thinking helped save two of the family's dogs -- and himself.

When firefighters arrived, David said he helped to direct them to the family's other animals, who were eventually rescued.

The family’s home is now badly damaged, with a tarp stretched across a gaping hole in the roof. The rooms that weren't scorched by flames were still damaged by water and smoke.

Aftermath of a July 1 house fire on Ivytree Terrace in Chesterfield County that was sparked by a lightning strike. (Photo: Drew Covington/8News)

Aftermath of a July 1 house fire on Ivytree Terrace in Chesterfield County that was sparked by a lightning strike. (Photo: Jakobi Davis/8News)

“Once we walked in and saw the damage, it was heartbreaking,” Rafael said. “Absolutely heartbreaking.

Now, the family is staying elsewhere as they figure out their next steps. They said they’re taking things one day at a time and holding onto hope that they’ll rebuild.

“We love this home, and we’re so proud of it,” said Jamie Cardona, David’s mother. "We know it’s going to be a long road, but we’ll be back living in our home again.”

“We’ve got to be patient,” Rafael added. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover unexpected expenses.