LUDLOW — Chief Ryan Pease reports that the Ludlow Fire Department extinguished a 3-alarm house fire located at 484 Poole St. on Wednesday evening.
On May 8 at 7:19 p.m., the Ludlow Fire Department received a call from a resident who reported that their home was struck by lightning and there was smoke coming from the house.
Upon arrival, first responders observed fire coming from the attic of the home and struck a second alarm. A third alarm was quickly struck to bring tankers to the scene due to the lack of a municipal water supply in the area and to bring other additional resources and support.
Firefighters made an aggressive interior fire attack to stop the fire from spreading further into the home, and the fire was brought under control within approximately 35 minutes.
There was structural damage to the garage, breezeway, kitchen, bathroom, and some of the roof structure. There was also smoke and water damage to the home.
Three residents were able to safely evacuate from the home prior to the arrival of firefighters. The residents were displaced as a result of the fire. Additionally, firefighters were able to locate a cat in the home and return it to the residents. There were no reported injuries.
Mutual aid at the scene was provided by fire departments from Belchertown, Bondsville, Granby, Palmer, Westover and Wilbraham. The Chicopee Fire Department provided station coverage. The Ludlow Police Department and the Ludlow Department of Public Works aided at the scene. Ludlow Central Dispatch also provided communication and logistical support.
The cause of the fire was investigated by the Ludlow Fire Department with assistance from the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. The cause of the fire was determined to be due to a lightning strike during last night’s storm.
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