A burst of storm weather turned a Fort Lauderdale townhome entrance into a flashing electrical hazard early Monday, after a live line came down and fire repeatedly erupted along the property’s fence. Residents described booming blasts, yellow fire and a scene that kept reigniting while crews worked to make the area safe.
The apparent strike hit electrical wiring on a fence in the Lake Ridge neighborhood near Villa Medici Townhomes, according to WSVN 7News. The outlet reported that officials had not yet formally concluded lightning caused the damage, even though the pattern of destruction pointed in that direction.
Fire Jumped From Fence Wiring To Townhome Fixtures
WSVN reported that the electrical surge appeared to travel through the fence wiring and jump to light fixtures mounted on nearby columns. The heat reportedly melted bulbs, scorched sections of the columns and fused nearby sand into glass-like shards; resident Mickie said, “The fire kept reigniting.” The homeowners association is working with its insurance company on repairs, the station reported.
City And FPL Warn Residents To Treat Downed Lines As Live
The City of Fort Lauderdale warns that lightning can strike far from the parent storm and advises residents to move indoors when thunder is audible. Florida Power & Light says people should assume every downed line is energized, stay away from nearby water and debris, and immediately call 911 or 1-800-4-OUTAGE to report dangerous electrical equipment, according to Fort Lauderdale officials and FPL safety guidance.
