June 23 lightning strikes building - AFD response details

June 24, 2013 / For Immediate Release

AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – On Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 16:47 hours (4:47 PM) the Airdrie Fire Department responded to the report of a lightning strike to a building located at #604 – 8th Street SW.

On arrival crews determined that one of the buildings of the Point of View Apartment complex had experienced a direct lightning strike to the roof area. The strike caused a hole in the roof measuring approximately 4 feet X 2 feet in size.

On entry to the four story structure crews found light smoke showing in the area of the damage and residual smoke in the attic space. Six residents were temporarily evacuated while firefighters completed a thorough interior investigation.

With the use of thermal imaging cameras they were able to determine that damage was isolated to the roof and that no fire had occurred. Firefighters ventilated one apartment prior to residents returning to their suites.

A service agent was contacted by the building manager to attend the incident to make the necessary repairs.

There were four pieces of AFD apparatus on scene with 13 firefighters. There were no injuries to report.

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Media contact:
Deputy Chief Garth Rabel
(403)948-8800 ext.7612