Report from the Fire Company July 26

Swarthmore fire department member Johnathan Cresson at the scene of a storm-related chimney fire in Rutledge.

Firefighters were called to the 100 block of Linden Ave. in Rutledge on July 22 for a lightning strike during the recent thunderstorms. The Swarthmore fire and Protective Association was already at a “wires down w/ hazards” call at Sycamore and N. Morton Ave. in Morton when the lightning strike occurred.

Apparatus from Swarthmore, Morton and Holmes were dispatched in accordance with the mutual aid response protocol. First arriving firefighters from Swarthmore found that lightning had struck the chimney area of the house. The residents had reported a slight smell of smoke. Further investigation and the surgical opening of the ceiling in two locations did not indicate any fire. The residents were cautioned to keep the area under supervision in the event that some ignition had occurred.

The same storm resulted in 2 additional calls in Swarthmore for downed wires with hazards.

Residents are reminded that electrical hazards and downed wires could potentially weaken the utility poles for a distance of 2 poles in either direction. The surrounding ground could also be electrically energized. Keeping a safe distance until the area is secured is suggested.