Automatic Fire Alarm   July 27, 2005

27 July 2005 - Around 1815hrs, firefighters were dispatched to the New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church for an automatic fire alarm. Fire officers arriving on scene were met by witnesses stating they they saw lightening strike the church as well as what they described as a "fire ball". Fire officers upgraded the incident to a full structure fire assignment. This brought in assistance from Sassamansville Fire Company (68) as well and Friendship Hook & Ladder of Boyertown (Berks 15) for their ladder. Firefighters made their way through the church up to the steeple. Upon entering the attic above the church, crews were met with a hazy condition. The investigation proved to be challenging due to the small access openings and narrow pathways. The heat was also intense due to the hot weather. Once in the steeple, firefighters found two wires leading through the floor of the steeple, one of which was charred. Upon further investigation, lightening was believed to have struck the steeple and traveled down the one wire, charring it at floor level. Crews made sure there was no extension and worked with church personnel to restore the alarm system. Fire personnel were on scene for one hour. 

Pictures courtesy of Friendship Hook & Ladder Fire Company of Boyertown THANK YOU!

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