Lightning Causes Fire
By Emilie H. Wheeler
Published: Saturday, June 27, 2009 3:18 AM CDT in the Herald Journal
Firefighters battle blaze at senior center
Emergency crews responded to the Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center on Friday evening after lightning struck the Logan building during a severe thunderstorm that moved through the valley.
The lightning strike hit the peak of the building and caused white smoke to come from the attic vents at the 345 N. 200 West structure, Logan Fire Marshal Liz Hunsaker said.
There were never any flames seen, she said, but sections of the roof were removed for ventilation and crews found charring in the building’s insulation and roofing material.
Two residents suffered minor injuries in the two-alarm fire.
Hunsaker said initial damages are estimated at between $25,000 and $50,000, although the amount could increase due to electrical damage to the building.
The first 911 call came at 6:12 p.m., and police quickly blocked off nearby streets while firefighters from around the valley arrived on the scene. There was some active lightning in the area for several more minutes.
After arriving on the scene, some officials started working on the roof area and others worked to evacuate the approximate 50 residents to the nearby Wellness Center.
“Most of them were in the dining area having dinner, so that made it somewhat easier,” Hunsaker said. “But some were eating in their rooms, so that made it a little more difficult.”
Firefighters cut roof ventilation holes along the peak of the roof until all the charred material was removed, she said. The last major crews left the scene after 9 p.m.
Overall, five fire engines, two aerial apparatuses, 50 firefighters, five fire chiefs, four police officers and one ambulance responded to the scene. They were from Logan, North Logan, Cache County, Smithfield and Wellsville.
Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center is part of the Sunshine Terrace Foundation. The center includes 39 studio apartments, 14 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. It’s designed for those who require some assistance with activities, but do not need 24-hour licensed nursing care.
The building also includes public areas such as dining rooms, a library, recreation activity space and a physical therapy room.