The Woodlands, Tx July 17, 2012; In an event eerily similar to one that occurred June 28th,a severe thunderstorm accompanied by heavy lightning swept through the Southern end of Montgomery County contributing to several major accidents and sparking numerous fires in homes and buildings struck by lightning.
At this time, there are 4 major fires in progress in the area, with numerous other incidents including homes where lightning has struck and caused damage to a home. At the height of the storm 47 fire apparatus were responding from across the area to assist under the Montgomery County Automatic Aid System.
Automatic aid systems dispatch the closest available fire apparatus to the scene of a major emergency, while moving units from other areas to cover vacated stations and back up the firefighters on scene. During large fires or when additional manpower is needed, Firefighters from across the county respond through a series of planned “move-ups” and then respond to the scene to relieve firefighters exhausted due to the recent high temperatures and humidity.
No major injuries have been reported, a credit to the cooperative effort of all County Fire Departments as they share the burden of working under these extreme conditions.
MCFMO investigators are on scene at the major fires and will be reporting shortly with updated information.
For now we have the following:
19 W. Willowood Ct – Detached garage struck by lightning and destroyed by fire, Woodlands and Needham Firefighters on scene, kept fire from reaching nearby townhomes.
7 Acadia Place – 2 alarm fire with heavy stream operations at this time (defensive fire) The Woodlands, Ponderosa, Conroe and Magnolia on scene
3 Golden Thrush Place – 2 story home struck by lightning, roof and attic on fire, now under control, The Woodlands, Klein, Spring and Ponderosa FDs on scene
26 Sawmill Grove Place – Building fire, still in progress, details forthcoming, South Montgomery County, Needham, Montgomery, Magnolia FFs on scene or enroute.
