Several Massachusetts fire departments combined to extinguish a residential blaze caused by a lightning strike on Friday.
According to Fire Chief Jack Glynn, at just before 5:30 a.m. the entire on-duty crew responded to the scene of a cardiac arrest in a remote part of Abington. Simultaneously, a heavy thunderstorm pushed through the area, causing various fire alarm activations townwide. At the same time, the dispatch center received a report of a possible lightning strike with a building fire at 395 Randolph Street.
Deputy Chief Driscoll, along with the only available Engine, staffed with the Shift Captain and a Firefighter, responded to the scene.
On arrival, Deputy Chief Driscoll encountered heavy fire coming from two sides of the garage and breezeway to the house. A working fire assignment was ordered and subsequently a 2nd alarm, bringing multiple fire apparatus to the scene, as well as apparatus to cover Abington for other emergencies. He was quickly able to determine that all occupants of the home had self-extricated prior to the arrival of the fire department.
Abington Police assisted with traffic control throughout the incident, as there were multiple instances where civilian vehicles almost struck apparatus. As the road was being shut down, an Abington Engine was struck by a civilian vehicle, causing minor damage with no injuries.
C1 assumed command at the scene and ordered a third alarm assignment, bringing more mutual aid to the scene to assist in fireground operations.
The fire was brought under control after a lengthy battle from the crews. They encountered issues with water pressure initially at the scene, as well as challenges with minimal manpower on scene. The American Red Cross was notified to help four occupants. The Abington Building Commissioner, Wiring Inspector, National Grid Gas and Electric were dispatched and responded.
Mutual Aid crews consisted of: Whitman, Rockland, Holbrook, Hanover, Brockton, Hanson, Randolph, Weymouth
The cause of the fire was a lightning strike at the top of a 60 foot pine tree in the backyard of the home. The lightning strike was so severe that it created a trench from the base of the tree to the electrical panel in the garage.
One firefighter was transported to the hospital for evaluation due to smoke inhalation.
