Crime & Safety
UPDATED: 2 Lightning Strikes Cause Brush, House Fires
A fast-moving thunderstorm resulted in a minor brush fire and a wet commute home Wednesday evening.
might have resulted in power outages throughout the state, but Portsmouth saw only minor damage from the heavy winds, lightning and torrential downpours Wednesday.
Commuters heading home during the evening rush saw heavy rains along West Main Road.
A fallen tree temporarily blocked Sandy Point Avenue to traffic, while a lightning strike also resulted in a small brush fire behind a Willow Lane residence.
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Within minutes of the lightning report, were also called to investigate a smoke condition at a home on Barker's Lane.
[Updated at 8:43 p.m.]
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According to Capt. Michael O'Brien, spokesperson for the Portsmouth Fire Department, lightning caused a structure fire at 48 Barker's Lane.
The fire, which was extinguished quickly, resulted in minor damage to home.
Firefighters also responded to a motor vehicle crash near Clements' Market on East Main Road around 5:30 p.m. It is unknown if this crash was related to the storm.
One person was reportedly removed from the vehicle on a stretcher. Tiverton Rescue transported the patient to a local hospital. His medical condition is unknown.
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