Lightning strike sparks house fire in Summit, forcing nine residents out
Residents say they heard a loud blast before flames broke out in the attic; everyone inside escaped safely
A lightning strike sparked a fire at a multifamily home in Summit Thursday night, forcing nine people out of the building.
Residents along the 100 block of Kent Place Boulevard say the lightning appeared to strike near the chimney before a fire broke out in the attic.
Tony Harrell was in bed watching TV when he heard the lightning strike.
“I heard the lightning and then my entire ceiling came down with sparks," Harrell said.
Harrell says he immediately ran outside and knocked on his neighbors’ doors to alert them.
John Ramaee was asleep when the blast woke him up. He says Harrell then knocked on his door and told him there was a problem.
“Other than that, we’re both very lucky," Ramaee said.
Another resident, Maryann Apuzzio, was at work when the fire started. She says she rushed home after getting the call and was especially worried about her three cats, which were still inside.
The Summit Fire Department says crews had already been responding to multiple storm-related calls when the fire broke out. Officials say firefighters were able to arrive quickly and get the flames under control.
Everyone inside the home made it out safely. It remains unclear when residents will be allowed back inside.
The Union County Arson Task Force is investigating the cause of the fire.
