Families Displaced After Lightning Strikes Apartment In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Two families were displaced from their homes after lightning struck an apartment complex late Wednesday night in Hamden, according to fire officials. At about 11:10 p.m. on Oct. 2, the Hamden Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the apartment complex located at 22 Warner Street. A heavy band of thunderstorms was moving through the area and multiple 911 calls reported a lightning strike from the residents in the apartment complex, according to Deputy Chief Gary Merwede.

Merwede said the first arriving Engine Company (at 11:15 p.m.) confirmed “structural roof members were smoldering and asphalt shingles were displaced and charred.” Attic spaces and common walls were checked for extension and smoldering areas extinguished. Apartments 19 and 20 sustained light damage from water and inspection holes, Merwede said. Battalion Chief Rich Otlowski called the fire under control at 11:39 p.m. Hamden’s Building Inspector was called to the scene to examine electrical services and structural integrity.

“The families occupying the affected units will be displaced for a short time during repairs,” Merwede wrote in a press release. “The CT Chapter of the Red Cross is assisting with temporary relocation. In all five adults and three children have been moved to local emergency housing. No injuries were reported at this incident.

“Lightning strikes elsewhere are also thought to be responsible for power outages in other areas of town during this storm. As a precaution during operations the UI cut power to the Warner Street complex; eventually restoring it to the unaffected apartments.”

Hamden Fire Inspector Nelson Hwang is investigating the incident.

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