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06/24/08
Philmont VFC was called out for a report of electrical wires burning
directly in front of the
fire house at 00:29.
Further investigation showed that a bolt of lightning had struck the
steeple of St.
Marks Church directly across from the firehouse. The
lightning entered the steeple roof, blowing off slate shingles
on three
sides. It then exited the steeple, displacing bricks and leaving a
white jagged scar on the exterior of
the steeple before terminating in a
blown section of brick and stone under a loophole sill.
The church steeple
lost several slate shingles, bricks and flashing.
The church building sustained some damage to it's electrical system.
Consumer electronics in an adjoining church building were damaged.
Power to the church and it's attached
buildings, as well as the
Philmont Firehouse/Village Hall and neighboring buildings was interupted.
Chatham
was called to respond with their ladder truck to assist in
examining the exterior of the steeple to determine the extent
of damage
and if any hazards were present.
NYSEG was contacted and dispatched a crew to repair the pole and
wires.
The Village of Philmont Code Inspection Officer, 'Inspector' Callahan,
was on scene to inspect
the church.
Fire Coordinator Van Deusen was on scene.
New York State Police were on scene to investigate
a burglar alarm set
off by the strike.
All units were clear by 0300.
Photos
and report by Robert Vivas
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