NORTHFIELD — Tim Ives was home alone Monday afternoon when a lightning strike started a fire at his home at 42 Warwick Road. Armed with buckets of water, he quickly doused the flames that were isolated in the entryway.
Then, he added, “I went to call the Fire Department, and they were already here.”
Dispatchers received several reports of a structure fire at around 4 p.m. Monday. Striking a first alarm, firefighters were called in from Northfield, Warwick, Bernardston, Erving and Hinsdale, N.H., according to Northfield Fire Chief Floyd “Skip” Dunnell III. Greenfield provided the Rapid Intervention Team.
Dunnell confirmed that the fire was caused by a lightning strike. Thunderstorms passing through the area also caused downed trees and power lines.
Firefighters used water from a tanker and hand tools to put out the remaining fire, and proceeded to tear into the walls and ceiling to look for any fire extension. Fans were used to ventilate smoke from the rest of the house.
Dunnell said the home should be habitable for Ives and his wife, Beth, who was at work when the fire started. Ives said the home is insured.
Warwick Road was temporarily closed while firefighters were on scene.
Reach Paul Franz at 413-772-0261, ext. 266 or pfranz@recorder.com.
