Lightning strike: Fire in a townhouse

On 28 August 2016 at around 5:15 p.m., a storm front moved over Norderstedt, during which lightning struck the roof of a townhouse that was flanked on either side by another townhouse.

A fire in an attic used as a storage room immediately broke out. A short time later, an emergency call was received by the Fire Department. At 5:28 p.m., the Holstein dispatcher alarmed the Norderstedt-Friedrichsgabe FF with the keyword "Fire 2" alarm. In addition, another notification was sent to some members of the Norderstedt-Harksheide FF, who were at this point dealing with operations in their own district, however.

Within six minutes after the alarm, an ELW1 (with a 1/1 crew), a KdoW (1/0), an LF 16/12 (1/7) and a DLK23/12 (1/1) reached the site. After another three minutes, an LF16/12 powder (1/7) also arrived. A GW-G (1/5) and an MTF (1/6) reached the site within 15 minutes. The FF Harksheide provided support in the form of an ELW1 (1/0) and a DLK 23/12 (1/2); other vehicles were involved in other operations and were only able to come later.

The damage situation

Upon the arrival of the first forces, strong smoke development from the upper part of the roof was apparent. After questioning the owners and neighbours, it was clear that all inhabitants had left the building; the inhabitants of the adjacent house were on holiday. No animals were in danger. Thus, the mission focus was on fighting the fire as well as protecting the neighbouring units.

Measures

A breathing apparatus crew went through the front door to the attic with the first C hose. After opening the door to the attic stairs, the crew found a developed fire. After the first flue gas cooling, they began fighting it.

A second response team – also with breathing apparatuses – positioned a C hose in both adjacent, converted attics of the neighbouring houses to watch for any possible spread of the fire. In the meantime, the turntable ladder was positioned on the gable end of the house. The basket crew's job was to identify any possible spread of the fire and to fight it with a C hose if necessary.

The water supply for the operation was taken over a short time later by two incoming LFs. Furthermore, the response team of the second LF prepared an external operation using extension ladders at the back of the building. All measures took place under the supervision of a safety team.

Because the availability of forces from the FF Harksheide was uncertain at this point due to other operations in the city, the alarm was upgraded to "Fire 3" as a precaution. The alarm level was increased and the FF Norderstedt-Glashütte notified, but it was also dealing with another situation. Shortly thereafter, the previously initiated measures began to take effect and the smoke decreased significantly. The first response team had created exhaust openings in the roof and carried out pressure ventilation from the front door of the house.

A short time later, the announcement "Fire under control; cleanup work" could be sent out. During the cleanup, a heavy rainstorm began, making it necessary to protect the furniture on the first floor with tarpaulins. This minimised water damage to the furniture; the spread of smoke was also restricted to the attic. After completion of all tasks, the roof was covered with a tarpaulin due to further impending rainstorms. The last forces returned to the fire station at 7:55 p.m.

Retrospective analysis

Due to fast and decisive action as well as the multitude of parallel measures, further damage or the spread of the fire to neighbouring units was prevented.