Lightning Strikes Morris County Apartment, Sets Building On Fire

Heavy lightning and thunderstorms that swept through Morris County Sunday night resulted in flooding, car crashes, and an apartment fire in Budd Lake.

A lightning bolt hit the side of an apartment building in Mt. Olive Township’s Oakwood Village on Rt. 206, Flanders firefighters said, sparking a fire just after 9 p.m.

When first responders were called, a fire in the building appeared to be coming up the side of the structure and through the roof, firefighters said.

“We had just finished another alarm and we were at the station watching the storm,” said Fire Chief Michael McDermott in a statement. “With everyone there, we were able to respond quickly. If the fire had been given another five or 10 minutes to get going, the damage would have been significant.”

Firefighters gained entry to the apartment and began blasting the fire from the inside as well outside, being able to stop the fire before it overtook the structure.

The lighting strike blew a hole in the roof of the building, but no one was injured.

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