WFD Responds to Lighting Strike at 10 Maple St. Apt. 8

Monday - June 25, 2012

The Waltham Fire Department responded to 10 Maple Street Apartment 8 following a lighting strike at the building Monday morning.  Two callers contacted Waltham's 9-1-1 center to report a fire/lighting strike and units were immediately dispatched at 10:20 am.  WFD's Squad 5, Engine 2, Ladder Tower 1, Engine 3 and C-2 (Deputy Chief) all responded to the incident.  On arrival crews found lighting had struck the roof of the building and blown out an interior wall of Apartment 8 on the third floor.  Three civilians were in the unit at the time of the lighting strike they were evaluated by American Medical Response (AMR) crews.  All three refused treatment.  WFD crews searched and evacuated the building with assitance from Waltham Police.  No civilians or firefighters were injured.

The lighting caused some charing but fire did not spread.  WFD crews used thermal imaging cameras and performed overhaul operations to open up walls to ensure the damage was contained to the 3rd floor unit.  The elecrtical system for the building was damaged and had to be shut down.  City Wires and Building Department were called to investigate the scene.  The buidling/property owner also responded and is arranging for repairs.   WFD estimates damage to the building at $25,000.