Boston/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on May 09, 2024
Lightning Strike Suspected as Culprit in Duxbury House Fire, Firefighters Quell BlazeSource: Duxbury Fire Department

A lightning strike is believed to have ignited a fire in a Duxbury home during a severe storm, causing firefighters to hustle to contain the blaze last night. The Duxbury Fire Department was called to a residence on Carriage Lane around 7:15 p.m., as reported by WHDH. With the assistance from neighboring towns' fire departments, crews worked for approximately one hour to extinguish the fire, according to details shared by NBC Boston.

During the time of the fire, the house, fortunately, was empty. However, shaken by a loud boom, neighbors reported feeling the lightning strike—as the house next door shook—according to a statement obtained by WHDH from Duxbury Fire Department Chief Bob Reardon. "They heard the loud boom, and then about 20 minutes later, they smelled smoke," Reardon detailed. Prompt action by the fire crews from Pembroke and Hanover helped ensure that no injuries were reported in the incident.

The ferocity of the natural elements was on full display as this house succumbed to the intensity of the storm. After several hours of battling the flames and smoke, the fire was thinned out by 10 p.m. when firefighters were seen by WHDH opening windows and doors to air out the house. To aid ventilation and prevent the spread, a hole was cut in the roof.

When the firefighters left the scene at around 11 p.m., almost smothered by their gear, the house was finally cleared. While the Duxbury Fire Department believes this incident is "weather-related," as mentioned to WHDH by Reardon, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, ensuring that every possible angle is thoroughly examined.