Lightning suspected in multiple structure fires across the Cape

Video by Jake O’Callaghan/CWN
HARWICH – Lightning is suspected in a house fire in Harwich. Flames were visible on the roof of the house on Seaport Lane around noon. Everyone escaped safely and no injuries were reported.

YARMOUTH – Yarmouth Firefighters were called to Oliver Lane sometime before 1 PM Monday. An apparent lightning strike caused a fire in the attic. No injuries were reported.

DENNIS – Dennis firefighters also reported to several calls for possible lightning strikes.

SANDWICH – On Monday at 12:55 PM, the Sandwich Fire Department reports they responded to a reported building fire at 17 Mill Road in East Sandwich. On arrival units found the back corner exterior of the house on fire. There was no initial extension into the house as crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire. A Working Fire assignment was requested to bring additional units from Joint Base Cape Cod and Mashpee Fire Department to the scene as units were out on an ambulance call when the fire was reported. The fire was due to a lightning strike during a severe thunderstorm that went through town.

The home occupants reported the fire and self-evacuated with the family dog with assistance from neighborhood. A second home at 19 Mill Road sustained minor electrical damage as part of the lightning strike.

A total of 22 firefighters responded to the scene. The fire damage was limited to the exterior and some electrical components in the house. The Sandwich Building and Electrical inspectors were working with the home owner to reoccupy the house.

Sandwich Fire thanks the Cotuit, Bourne and Barnstable Fire Departments who provided station coverage during the fire. There were no injuries reported and the fire investigation will be completed by the Sandwich Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit.

MARSTONS MILLS – Firefighters responded to the Liberty Hall Club at 2150 Main Street in Marstons Mills sometime before 2 PM. Smoke was showing when crews arrived. The fire appeared confined to a shed in the rear of the property.