09/25/2011 – Structure Fire – “A” Shift

Incident # 11-05207 – An Augusta Highway family lost their home after a lightning strike Sunday evening 25-September. At 19:37, during a heavy thunderstorm, lighting struck the residence at 3690 Augusta Highway, knocking out several electronic appliances in the home. Shortly thereafter, family members smelled smoke and discovered flames coming from the roof of the century old home. The family evacuated the residence. Firefighters arrived 14 minutes later to the remote rural area to find the home fully involved. Engine 7 deployed two 1-3/4 handlines and two 2-1/2 handlines in an effort to contain the blaze. Engine 5 set up on the “D” side of the building, deploying one 2-1/2 line. A second alarm was issued several minutes after Engine 7 arrived, for additional Tenders and personnel. Firefighters worked for nearly an hour through the thunderstorm to bring the fire under control. The home suffered heavy damage, with all items in the residence being lost. Water supply was handled with a Water Shuttle. No injuries were reported.

Engine 5, Engine 7, Tender 4, Tender 5, Tender 7, Tender 17, Tender 18, Tender 19, Tender 26, Tender 27, Medic 18, Medic 26, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Firefighter-Paramedic (Acting Battalion Chief) Brian Rowe served as Incident Commander.