Lightning Hits Annapolis Condo, Temporarily Displaces 39: Report

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Lightning struck the Clipper Cay Condominiums in Annapolis on Friday, officials announced. Authorities noted the ensuing fire and the resulting water damage displaced 39 residents for the night.

Firefighters added they got three calls reporting smoke, but no fire, around 6:08 p.m. Crews explained they didn't see anything odd from the street. They eventually found smoke in the attic and on the edges of the roof of the three-story complex in the 2900 block of Shipmaster Way, an incident report stated.

First responders called for backup to help evacuate the occupants, many of whom used a cane or a walker. The other crew members specified they spotted the fire soon after in the attic above two of the top-floor condos.

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A team of 60 controlled the blaze within 45 minutes, the write-up indicated. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department wrote the Annapolis Fire Department and the Naval Support Activity Annapolis Fire Department aided its response. Officials recounted smoke detectors and sprinklers were both present and activated.

Firefighters mentioned they kept the fire damage to the attic, but they did not estimate the value of the property loss. Crews said there are water damaged units throughout the third level.

The press release detailed the displaced residents spent the night in the Heritage Harbor Association Community Lodge. Crew members shared they fetched medicine and critical items from the condos. The write-up confirmed many residents left the scene but still needed housing assistance.

Authorities clarified these agencies helped the occupants:

• Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities
• Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management
• Anne Arundel County Office of Transportation
• Anne Arundel County Crisis Response
• Anne Arundel County Office of Inspections and Permits
• Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services
• American Red Cross

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