ADEL, Iowa --
A couple in Adel is alive because their neighbors called 911 on Sunday night.
The neighbors, Curt and Lisa Joseph, thought a lightning strike had hit their home. Firefighters searched the Joseph's home for about 20 minutes but found nothing. Moments later someone heard a loud pop and fire broke through their next door neighbor's roof around 11:15 p.m.
Firefighters forced their way into the house owned by Larry and Sandy Schmidz at 22972 Valley View Trail.
The homeowners heard their entry and firefighters got them out about 60 seconds before the roof collapsed.
Adel Fire Chief Matt Ireland said the house is a complete loss. Firefighters were able to salvage a few pictures, but that's about it.
Crews from Adel, Dallas Center, Desoto, Minburn, Redfield, Van Meter and Waukee helped battle the blaze.
Ireland said strong winds associated with the thunderstorms made the house impossible to save.
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