Strong Thunderstorms Leave
House Struck by Lightning

September 2, 2003 2023hrs:

Strong area thunderstorms, with high winds and lightning, rolled through the Waldorf and Southern Charles County areas around 1700hrs. The occupants of a residence on Dowitcher Court returned home shortly after 2000hrs to find a strong odor of something burning and quickly called 911. Units from Waldorf responded to the scene and investigated the odor. Engine 33, under the command of Sgt Ben Jenkins, checked the interior areas while Engine 122, under the command of Sgt Chris Foss, checked the roof. E-122's crew found a small hole in the roof on the Side 2 corner, possibly caused by a lightning strike. Chief 3, Dan Stevens, arrived on scene and assumed the Incident Command. After verifying with the units inside there was no fire, Chief 3 held the units from Waldorf and placed the rest of the assignment in service. Truck 3, under the command of Deputy Chief 3B DJ Mills, arrived on scene and laddered the roof with the 100 foot ladder. Together, crews from Truck 3 and E-122 placed a temporary plastic cover over the gaping hole in the roof to protect the residence from further water damage. Units cleared the scene shortly after and returned to quarters.

Responding Units: Engine 33, Engine 32, Truck 3, Engine 122, Accokeek Engine 242, La Plata Truck 1, Brandywine Squad 40, EMS 3, and Chief 3.