Fire Station 6 Hit by Lightning

Generator, fire alarm system among items affected

Rapid City, S.D. - Firefighters in our area are accustomed to responding to buildings that have been struck by lightning. Early Sunday morning, Firefighters from Rapid City Fire Department Station 6 found that, instead of responding to a building hit by lightning, the lightning came to them. Fire Station 6 was apparently hit by lightning during a thunderstorm sometime between 3:00 and 4:00 am on Sunday July 14. 

The strike damaged the phone system, fire alarm system, back-up generator and the garage door opener for Engine 3-6. The electricity also tripped all of the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in the station. The building does not appear to have any structural damage. None of the firefighters on-duty and in the station during the strike were injured. 

The Station 6 crew was in the station monitoring the storm and incoming calls for service throughout the city when the strike occurred. They reported a bright flash with simultaneous thunder that shook the building. Issues with the phones, fire alarm system and outlets were noted immediately. The station is situated next to a large communications tower. It is unknown if the station was hit directly or received an indirect strike. 

We hope that this serves as a good reminder of the importance of following simple safety procedures during thunderstorms.

• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. 
• Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

Remember that no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. When you hear thunder, immediately move inside to safe shelter.

The lightning strike and subsequent damage to the station did not affect the ability of Station 6 to respond to emergencies and calls for service. At the time of this release, much of the damage had been repaired.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

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