Firefighters in Port St. Lucie were met with the fury of nature last Saturday as they battled two attic fires caused by lightning. The blazes, reported by CBS12, broke out in homes located at the intersection of Crosstown Pkwy. and Airoso Blvd. Visible damages were confined to smoldering insulation and burnt electrical wires, causing the fire department to rush to the scene.
The St. Lucie County Fire District (SLCFD) crews located the burning material in the attics and set about performing salvage and overhaul to clear out the material, ensuring no further fire spread, as reported on their Facebook page. A precautionary measure following the fires, Florida Power and Light disconnected power to both homes until they could be confirmed to be safe. The quick response of the SLCFD mitigated further risks to the properties and their inhabitants.
According to the firefighters, the lightning strikes were severe enough to cause significant concern for the structural integrity of the homes. The prompt and effective action taken by the crews prevented the fires from escalating into larger, potentially devastating infernos. No injuries were reported in either incident, as SLCFD confirmed the safety of those involved.
As a result of the incident, residents have been reminded of the power of lightning and the importance of proper home maintenance to minimize fire risks during storms. The community has been urged to regularly inspect their properties for vulnerabilities that might lead to similar incidents. Meanwhile, both homes remain without power as they wait to be deemed safe, with assistance provided to the affected families by local authorities.
