| The Riverhead Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a mobile home on Forge Road in Calverton last Thursday that was believed to have been caused by a lightning strike nearly two days earlier.
The fire was located in the wall of a mobile home and caused moderate damage to the interior and exterior of the wall, according to Riverhead Fire Chief Frank Darrow.
A total of 75 firefighters responded to the blaze. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters, according to the chief.
According to Riverhead Town fire marshal Bruce Johnson, the fire was caused by a lightning strike that is believed to have hit a day and half earlier. The lightning is believed to have energized part of the metal frame or siding on the home, causing the insulation to smolder for about a day before the fire was discovered.
"There is no evidence the lightening hit the home," Mr. Johnson said. The home had experienced power and telephone outages prior to the discovery of the fire. The occupants of the home, who were not identified, discovered the fire while eating dinner and had time to get out safely before calling the fire department, Mr. Johnson said.
The home did not have working fire alarms, Mr. Johnson said. He emphasized that a new town program will provide about 2,000 free smoke alarms to residents, The alarms will he available to homes that don't have them, and priority is being given to senior citizens and mobile home occupants, Mr. Johnson said. The alarms are made available through a state grant.
Anyone seeking a free fire alarm should call Town Hall at 727-3200, ext. 555 |
