A lightning fire damaged a Fayetteville business Sunday, but the building was empty when it happened and no one was hurt.

Fayetteville Fire Department officials responded to a call just before 3 p.m. Sunday, probably by a passerby, according to Chief Alan Jones.

The office of Dr. Rick Verdin at 105 Braxton Court was apparently hit by lightning when a midafternoon storm came through, Jones said.

The fire stayed in the attic and did not reach the main floor of the office. There are no other businesses in the building.

Firefighters arrived about two minutes after the call was received and found flames already coming through the roof of the building

A total of 21 fire personnel were on the scene, and two trucks from the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services responded as well, Jones said.

Firefighters finished their work at the scene at approximately 6:31 p.m.

Verdin's main office number was answered Tuesday by an employee in her home, who was taking calls from patients and informing them of plans for resuming the dental practice.