Safety & Health

Seven Firefighters Injured by Lightning Strike in Vermont

July 3, 2014

Firefighters at a two-alarm house fire in Guilford were struck by lightning at the scene. All were transported to a local hospital. None of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening.

Source The Keene Sentinel, N.H.

July 03--A two-alarm fire on East Mountain Road in Guilford, Vt., took a dangerous turn Wednesday afternoon when severe weather swept into the area. Seven firefighters suspected of having been struck by lightning suffered injuries and were transported to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, officials at the hospital confirmed late Wednesday afternoon.

None of the injuries is thought to be serious, hospital officials said. As of 6 p.m., each of the seven firefighters had been evaluated; it's not certain how many had been released.

Firefighters from Chesterfield, Winchester and Hinsdale were among those helping to battle the fire.

Additionally, fire personnel from Spofford were dispatched to cover for Swanzey, which was tackling a two-alarm fire of its own, at 50 Fox Run Road, according to a mutual aid report.

Guilford is 20 miles west of Keene and just south of Brattleboro. East Mountain Road is off of Route 5.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.