In the late hours of Thursday, May 3rd at 22:11, during a heavy thunderstorm, stations 2, 3, 4, and 9 were alerted for box alarm 2-12 in the 1700 block of Gablehammer Road for the reported house struck by lightning. Engine 23 called en route with 5 volunteers closely followed by Truck 2 and Engine Tanker 24. Engine 23, 31, and 43 all arrived on Gablehammer Road minutes apart and encountered difficulties finding the address of the house which was found back a rocky secluded drive. Due to the house's location, it made firefighting operations very challenging. Engine 43 proceeded up the long, steep driveway to find a 2 story log cabin with smoke coming from the Bravo (left) side; firefighter established command and requested the RID. Engine 31 laid about 700 feet of supply hose up the driveway and command was transferred to Sgt 3-2. Tower 3, Truck 2, and Engine 23 arrived on the dirt road and their manpower was sent up the driveway with multiple tools. Chief 2, met at the base of the house by SGT3-2, assumed the Gablehammer Road command and promptly requested a second alarm for additional manpower. Crews from Engine 23, 31, and 43 made an aggressive interior attack to knock the fire that had vented itself through the roof and side Charlie (back). Lt 2-3 of Engine Tanker 24 established a continuous water supply to the fire ground from Route 482. Around 23:35, Chief 2 placed the fire under control and ordered firefighters to check for hot spots and exchange interior crews to perform salvage and overhaul operations. FM 34 was called to the scene to investigate the fire. Crews cleared the scene about 4 hours after the initial dispatch and everyone returned home safely. A thank you goes out to Gamber Engine 134 for filling-in station 2.
Jun 16, 2026
