MORGANTON, NC — A lightning strike is reportedly to blame for a fire yesterday that destroyed nearly one-third of Wright Table Co.’s furniture plant in Morganton, NC.

According to a report in the Morganton News Herald, the fire destroyed the 9,500-square-foot finishing area. Owner Don Wright told the News Herald that a lightning bolt struck the east end spray booth around 3:02 p.m., igniting lacquer and other finishing materials as well as wood waste in the area. None of the 13 employees in the building at the time were injured. The fire reportedly caused the shutdown of the nearby highway as 16 fire crews responded.

Founded in 1971, Wright Table Co. manufactures custom tables, casegoods and custom furniture products in vintage styles adapted from the 1690s through 1830s. The company has 40 employees, according to its website. In addition to its plant location, it hosts a showroom in High Point, NC.

Watch a video of the fire, courtesy of the Morganton News Herald