Duxbury, Massachusetts – Lightning Strike Sparks House Fire
A house in Duxbury, Massachusetts, was engulfed in flames on Wednesday night, with officials suspecting that a lightning strike may have been the cause. The fire broke out around 7:15 p.m., coinciding with a significant lightning storm in the area, according to the Duxbury Fire Department. Fortunately, no one was home at the time of the incident, but neighbors reported feeling the impact of the lightning strike.
Chief Bob Reardon of the Duxbury Fire Department explained that the neighboring residents felt their own house shake, heard a loud boom, and eventually noticed the smell of smoke around 20 minutes later. Concerned for their safety, they promptly alerted the authorities. Fire crews from Pembroke and Hanover swiftly arrived at the scene to assist in extinguishing the flames.
The firefighters worked diligently for several hours, successfully bringing the fire under control. By 10 p.m., they began ventilating the house by propping open doors and windows. Additionally, they cut a hole in the roof to facilitate better airflow. Finally, just before 11 p.m., the fire crews concluded their operations and left the scene.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, the Duxbury Fire Department suspects it to be “weather-related.” Lightning strikes have long been recognized as potential causes of fires due to their ability to generate extreme heat upon contact. When lightning strikes a building, it can ignite flammable materials or damage electrical systems, leading to fires.
This incident serves as a reminder of the destructive power of lightning. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), lightning strikes cause an estimated average of 22,600 fires in the United States each year. These fires result in an average of nine deaths, 53 injuries, and $451 million in property damage annually.
To protect your home from lightning-related fires, experts recommend the installation of a lightning protection system. This system includes lightning rods, conductors, and grounding equipment designed to safely direct the electrical current from a lightning strike into the ground, bypassing the structure. By dissipating the electrical charge, these systems significantly reduce the risk of fire.
In conclusion, a house fire in Duxbury, Massachusetts, likely caused by a lightning strike, resulted in significant damage. Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident. Firefighters from multiple departments collaborated to bring the blaze under control. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for homeowners to recognize and mitigate the risks associated with lightning strikes by considering the installation of a lightning protection system. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing news story.
