Dozens Displaced After Lightning Strikes Bel Air Condo, Sparks Fire

BEL AIR, MD — Dozens of people were displaced Monday night when lightning struck a Bel Air condominium complex and ignited a fire, authorities said.

According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, Bel Air firefighters were called to the Taylor Ridge condominiums at 1311 Sheridan Place just before 9:30 p.m. after multiple people called 911 to report flames shooting from the roof of the building.

According to investigators, residents reported hearing lightning hit the building and smelled smoke shortly after. Further investigation revealed that lightning struck the roof, immediately igniting it as well as the attic. The fire caused the roof to collapse into the building's third floor, prompting lower floors to collapse as well, authorities said.

It took 75 firefighters from multiple departments about 30 minutes to bring the two-alarm fire under control, authorities said. Twenty-six people were displaced following the fire, investigators said.

The building's residents escaped unharmed, authorities said, though one person who refused treatment at the scene later drove to a nearby hospital.

Investigators remained on the scene throughout the night and into the early morning hours, authorities said. Harford County authorities deemed the building a total loss and temporarily condemned nearby 1309 Sheridan Pl., displacing an additional 20 people, authorities said.

Friends, family and Harford County Disaster Assistance are assisting displaced residents.