Lightning Hits Cranbury Public Library, Sparking Two-Alarm Fire

CRANBURY, NJ — Lightning struck the roof of the Cranbury Public Library on the afternoon of Thursday, sparking a two-alarm fire as severe storms moved across New Jersey, according to Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company Chief Charlie Smith.

No one was hurt, and the fire did not reach inside the building, Smith said in a statement.

Firefighters also worked to protect the library’s contents.

“We covered the bookcases and moved computers and other equipment,” Smith said.

The roof was damaged, and there is water damage, mostly to the floor, in a small section of the building, according to Smith. Parts of the roof were scheduled to be repaired Friday.

Smith said the fire went to a second alarm, and crews from nearby towns came to help.

“I would like to thank our neighboring fire and EMS companies for their assistance,” he said.

The library will be closed Friday. It’s not yet clear when it will reopen.

In a message to the community, the library thanked first responders and residents.

“We want to thank the Cranbury Township Fire Department, Cranbury Township Police, and First Responders whose quick action mitigated damage,” the library said. “We also want to sincerely thank the Cranbury Community for their support.”

The library is asking residents to check its website and social media channels for the latest updates.

Thursday’s storms brought flash flood and severe thunderstorm warnings across the state. National Weather Service crews were set to survey damage in Burlington County to see whether a tornado touched down there, NJ.com reported.

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