Lightning Strikes Twice
By Photographer Jim DeLillo
June 15, 2009
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place. Today, in Oakland that was proven to be untrue. Well, not exactly the same place.
The first call came in at approx 4:00pm for “House struck by lightning” at 11 Iroquois. The Oakland FD responded to the scene and cofirmed that a tree was struck by lightning in the subject’s yard. No damage was discovered to the house.
Within minutes another call was received of a lightning strike on Bailey Ave with smoke. Chief Sondervan (1030) confirmed a structure fire upon arrival, personnel and apparatus were already enroute from the previous address. Establishing command, the Chief requested NORCON mutual Aid from Wyckoff to report to the structure fire as well as standby at the Yawpo firehouse.
Residents were out of the house and safe, but several cats were deemed missing. The fire was quickly knocked down, but the dwelling incurred smoke and water damage. The acrid black smoke from burning synthetic material made for difficult entry. Some of the cats were found and removed, but all are yet to be accounted for.
The lightning strike toppled a tree and downed a live power line, which was eventually rendered safe by Rockland Electric.
To see all of Jim DeLillo’s photos visit: The OFD Web Site
