Lightning Strike Sets Dorset Residence on Fire During Thunderstorm

Lightning Strike Sets Dorset Residence on Fire During Thunderstorm

The Striking Incident

In the early morning of September 18th, a residence in Corfe Mullen, Dorset, was set ablaze after being struck by lightning. The unfortunate incident resulted in a significant amount of smoke in the local area, prompting the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service to swiftly move in and manage the situation. Officials advised locals to keep their windows closed as a precautionary measure. This incident coincided with the yellow warning for thunderstorms issued by the weather office for southeast England, including Dorset, lasting until 6am on the same day.

Evacuation and Immediate Response

The blaze, which occurred just after midnight, led to the evacuation of 15 people and a subsequent need to rehouse four. The fire broke out in Coronation Way, Corfe Mullen, Dorset. Six fire engines from Wimborne, Poole, Hamworthy, and Ferndown were scrambled to the scene, responding swiftly to the situation. No casualties were reported, although two semi-detached homes were significantly damaged, with the first floor of the building severely affected. Firefighters used an aerial ladder platform, 12 breathing apparatus, and three hose reel jets to tackle the blaze. Investigations were carried out following the incident.

Witnesses Recount the Event

According to local witnesses, there was a ‘loud explosion’ and a flash of white light around midnight, signaling the lightning strike. The £400,000 property, which houses two homes, was directly hit by the lightning and burst into flames. The occupants of the two properties – a young woman and a middle-aged woman – were awakened by the noise and managed to escape just before the fire spread. Around 15 people were evacuated from the neighboring homes. The front door to the home was open, and a neighbor reported shouting out to check if anyone was still inside, to which a woman responded that she had already exited.

Firefighting Efforts

Six fire crews battled for two-and-a-half hours to put out the fire, and remained in the area for an additional three hours. The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Rescue provided a statement noting that ‘twelve breathing apparatus wearers used three hose reel jets and two main jets to bring the fire under control.’ By 5.30 am, the scene was cleared, although a crew returned in the morning for a re-inspection in daylight. The two affected houses were reported to be badly damaged, but thankfully, no one was injured, and everyone was out safely when the fire rescue team arrived.

Lightning Strikes Amidst Stormy Weather

The incident occurred during a period of stormy weather in the UK. Thunderstorms kept residents awake overnight as lightning strikes increased momentum across parts of the UK. Social media was flooded with videos of the downpour, with some residents claiming to have never seen such intense rainfall in their local areas. The storms also affected flight schedules, forcing Exeter Airport to temporarily close and cancel several flights.