After lightning hit East Daviess County Fire station, firefighters successfully extinguished an active structure fire. No one was injured in the fire and the full extent of damage has yet to be assessed. Officials say the station will be closed for the night.
DCFD Chief Dwane Smeathers said in the 30 years he has been a firefighter, he is not aware of a fire at a Daviess County station.
Smeathers is unsure at this time where the lightning struck, but firefighters at the station reported that sparks flew from almost every electrical box in the building.
Smeathers said he was proud of his crew, who worked quickly to get the fire truck outside, got suited up and started working a structure fire at their own station.
What they found, Smeathers said, was a heavy fire in the attic of the living quarters of the building, which also traveled to the attic over the truck bay.
Crews are now cleaning up the debris and salvaging what they can.
“They did a great job fighting the fire,” he said. “One of my firemen that was here and went in initially said it was the hottest fire he’s ever been in.”
According to Smeathers, thermal imaging cameras measured the fire at 800 to 900 degrees.
Smeathers estimates fire and water damage has affected one-third to one-half of the building, causing parts of the ceiling to collapse. Once the building is secured, Smeathers said it will be closed for the night and crews on duty at the east station will move to either Philpot or Thurston station.
Daviess County Judge-Executive Al Mattingly was informed of the situation and officials will regroup tomorrow to make a plan moving forward.
Smeathers said he has been through a lot of fires in his 30 years on the job.
“I have always felt for people that have been through a fire, but I know more how they feel right now,” he said. “This is our home.”
