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Lightning Strike Burns Electrical Panel At Dutchess Home

An intense thunderstorm over the weekend in the Rhinebeck area kept firefighters on the run, especially when a house was struck by lightning.

A lightning strike fried an electrical panel at an area home.

A lightning strike fried an electrical panel at an area home.

Photo Credit: Rhinebeck Fire Department

The incident took place around 2:56 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, on Montgomery Street off Route 9 in Rhinebeck, said Rhinebeck Fire Department Spokesman Jeff Cotter.

Arriving crews encountered smoke showing from the eaves of the home and a significant amount of smoke throughout the house, Cotter said.

An investigation found that an electrical current likely back-fed into the electrical panel box resulting in the smoke condition. 

Firefighters removed the wall and ceiling surrounding the panel to find charring on wires. The remainder of the structure was checked with thermal imaging technology to ensure there was no extension, Cotter said.

The home was ventilated to eradicate the smoke, and Central Hudson cut power to the residence. 

Assisting Rhinebeck on the scene included Hillside Fire Department, Central Hudson, Rhinebeck Police Department, DCSO, and NYSP. The Milan Fire Department provided station coverage.

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