A five-alarm fire nearly destroyed the Dane Decor Scandinavian Furniture store in Downingtown early yesterday; fire officials believe that lightning was to blame.

No one was injured in the blaze at 216 E. Lancaster Ave., which is just two doors from the fire department station. The building was an old church that had been converted into the furniture store.

Only the old sanctuary in the front of the building was saved, Downingtown Fire Department officials said. The fire department had no estimate on the damage.