A severe thunderstorm rumbled straight over Apex on Sunday, 31 August 2003 bringing with it a rash of lightning and torrential downpours. In the midst of it all, shortly after 1pm, units were dispatched to a structure fire caused by a lightning strike on Lansbrooke Lane. Communications advised that Raleigh had received several calls, and Engine 3 reported that they could see the smoke from several blocks out. Engine 3, Ladder 1, Engine 1, Engine 4 and Rescue 1 responded along with Car 1, Car 2, Squad 1, and a Cary Division Chief and mutual aid pumper. Engine 3's crew made an interior attack while Ladder 1 established water supply and aerial operations. Despite a ruptured gas line inside the residence, crews brought the fire under control within minutes.

Apex EMS sent an ambulance to stand by and set up rehab - EMTs monitored firefighters' vitals as they came out of the structure. Engine 2 and a pumper from Holly Springs covered Station 1 and Station 3 respectively while we were at the call.

The homeowners were away on vacation, so neighborhood children got involved and helped to safeguard a few of the family pets that were rescued from the house.

Local author/photographer/fire buff Mike Legeros was on scene and documented the incident as it unfolded. Mike recently published a book on the history of firefighting in Wake County. For information on this and other fire-related goings-on click here to visit his web site.

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Photos provided by Mike Legeros

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Copyright 2003 Apex Fire Department