MENARD (August 14, 2012)—Investigators suspect a lightning strike caused a house fire in Menard County that left a woman dead.

Menard County Sheriff Buck Miller said Clara Porter, 63, was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire, about 11 miles east of Menard.

Miller said a man in the home escaped and thought Porter was following him out early Monday.

Miller said Billy Moore was treated for smoke inhalation.

Miller said a big lightning storm evidently set fire to the house, which was built in the 1800s.

The sheriff said the structure was believed to be one of the first houses built in Menard County.