Crime & Safety
UPDATE: No Injuries After Basking Ridge Home Struck By Lightning
A Basking Ridge homeowner was inside when lightning struck the house and called 911 when he saw flames and smoke.
Bernards Township, NJ -- Lightning struck a home in Basking Ridge causing it catch on fire, police reported around 2 p.m. Wednesday.
As a severe thunderstorm came through the township, a lightning strike hit a single-story home, located at 327 South Finley Avenue.
The homeowner, who was inside at the time, said he heard a loud thunder clap, according to a release by the Bernards Township Office of Emergency Management.
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The thunder clap and lightning strike could be heard as far as William Annin Middle School, an employee there said.
"The whole cafeteria screamed when they heard it," the employee said.
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The resident in the home called 9-1-1 when he saw smoke and flames inside. He attempted to use a fire extinguisher on the fire. When that didn't work he evacuated the home, according to the release.
When police first arrived, they reported seeing smoke and fire visible from the roof.
South Finley Avenue between Lake Road and Homestead was closed to traffic as emergency responders arrived to battle the blaze.
Basking Ridge Fire Company was able to knock the fire down and get it under control a short time later after 2 p.m.
The home incurred substantial damage, according to Bernards Township OEM.
There were no reported injuries.
"A severe thunderstorm was moving through the area at the time and lighting is suspected to have contributed to the cause, according to the release. "The fire is still under investigation, however is not being considered suspicious at this time. There was substantial damage to the home."
Responding agencies included: Basking Ridge Fire & EMS, Liberty Corner Fire Co., Liberty Corner Fire Company, Liberty Corner EMS, Lyons VA Fire Dept., Far Hills Bedminster Fire Department, New Vernon Fire Department, Somerset County Office of Emergency Management, Bernards Township Police, and Bernards Township Office of Emergency
Management.
(Photo by Bernards Township OEM: A fire broke out at 327 South FInley Avenue after lightning struck the home)
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