They say lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place. Today, in Oakland that was proven to be untrue. Well, not exactly the same place.
The first call came in at approx 4:00pm for "House struck by lightning" at 11 Iroquois. The Oakland FD responded to the scene and confirmed that a tree was struck by lightning in the subject's yard. No damage was discovered to the house.
Within minutes another call was received of a lightning strike on Bailey Ave with smoke. Chief Sondervan (1030) confirmed a structure fire upon arrival, personnel and apparatus were already enroute from the previous address. Establishing command, the Chief requested NORCON mutual Aid from Wyckoff to report to the structure fire as well as standby at the Yawpo firehouse.
Residents were out of the house and safe, but several cats were deemed missing. The fire was quickly knocked down, but the dwelling incurred smoke and water damage. The acrid black smoke from burning synthetic material made for difficult entry. Some of the cats were found and removed, but all are yet to be accounted for.
The lightning strike toppled a tree and downed a live power line, which was eventually rendered safe by Rockland Electric.
Units:
1030 1040 1050 1031 1032 1041 1042
Mutual Aid:
Oakland First Aid Squad,
Wyckoff Fire Dept
The second strike resulted in a structure fire.
The first strike occured at the peak of the downpour.
Residents caught in the deluge
Lightning struck the tree...
...and exploded the ground around the tree.
1032 lays hose from the hydrant on Bailey Ave.
Joe Gallup and Len Tanis deploy the lines.
Smoke billows from the dwelling.
The attack
The kittens are safe
Dave Hutsebaut carries out the kittens.
The residents reunited with the kittens
The electric service was damaged by the falling tree.
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