Just after the storm passed over the Bay District area, surrounding departments were alerted for the structure fire in Abberly Crest neighborhood.

Within minutes all units from Bay District were on the road. The first arriving unit (Truck 3) reported nothing evident on the A and B side of the structure. As the crews from Engine 32 and the Truck 3 made entry into the apartment on the 3rd floor (which called 911) they soon discovered smoke coming up from the floor. The crews quickly went back to the 2nd floor to start searching for the cause. Chief 3B (Ticson) established command as Chief 3 (Wahrenbrock) took division 2 and Chief 3A (Burroughs) took division 1. Chief 9B (Adams) assisted crews working on Side B where it was determined a lightning strike had hit the building.

As crews started opening the doors to the apartments this allowed air to enter and allowed the fire to grow which also caused smoke to start coming from side B. A small fire was found between the 1st & 2nd floors. Crews opened the walls to expose the burned area and ensured all fire was extinguished.

A few occupants were displaced and are being assisted at this time. Crews were on scene for about 90 minutes.