On Wednesday June 11 at 1200 hours units from Solomons were alerted to the area of Yosemite Lane in the Ranch Estates for a smoke investigation. While E 34 was responding, the engine officer noticed a large column of smoke in the distance. Using their past experiences, he called of an additional engine company knowing this was more than just an ordinary outside fire due to the density and volume of smoke. Shortly after, Calvert Control alerted E 34 that the assignment was being upgraded to a working house fire alerting additional surrounding companies. Upon arrival E 34 reported a 2 story Cape Cod on a basement with heavy fire showing from the first and second floors. The crew was met by heavy smoke and fire conditions at the front door and began an aggressive interior attack when they were forced back due to the roof collapsing on side alpha. As additional manpower arrived crews were able to knock down the bulk of the fire and were able to make entry and mop up. Units operated for about 3 hours assisting the State Fire Marshal with the investigation. The cause was determined to be a lightning strike from an earlier passing thunderstorm.