At 13:36 on September 1, a structure fire was reported on Sophia Lane in Adams Township (off Myoma Road). Chief 42 was on scene quickly and requested additional stations be alerted to help with the fire. In addition to stations 42 (Adams Area) and 19 (Callery) on the initial alarm, stations 20 (Evans City), 21 (Cranberry), 22 (Zelienople), 23 (Harmony), 228 (Wexford), 185 (Marshall), and 7 (South Butler) [for RIT] responded to the scene.
Station 20 crews assisted with gaining access to the garage area as well as overhaul in that area and salvage operations in the basement level of the residence.
The fire was caused by a lightning strike. The worst damage was limited to the storeroom near where the lightning struck. Further fire damage and heavy smoke damage spread across the second floor. The first floor sustained water and smoke damage and the basement sustained water damage.
The hot weather added to the strain of firefighting that day. Crews from Station 76 (Quality EMS) and Station 51 (Cranberry EMS) set up rehab to assist.