Fire Displaces Over A Dozen, Kills Dog In Baltimore County: Reports

PIKESVILLE, MD — Reports said over a dozen people were displaced, and a pet died after lightning struck a Pikesville apartment building recently. A pair of firefighters were also hurt, but they are expected to survive.

The Baltimore County Fire Department said a lightning bolt hit a building at 1803 Rambling Ridge Lane late Thursday afternoon. That's located in the Twin Ridge Apartments.

Crews said "multiple families were displaced" and "at least one dog died in the fire."

WJZ reported that 14 residents were displaced, and the puppy belonged to an employee in the leasing office.

The three-alarm blaze drew nearly 100 firefighters, including two who suffered minor injuries. They were treated at local hospitals and were released by the next afternoon.

No civilians were hurt.

Firefighters were called at 3:38 p.m.

First responders said they "found heavy fire through the roof and quickly requested a second alarm due to the fire's intensity." The heat and humidity forced a third alarm.

Crews said they removed multiple pets from the burning building, which sustained a partial collapse of the roof and an interior staircase.

The fire was placed under control by 5:06 p.m.

The American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region supplied food, relocation services and other essential support to affected residents.

The Baltimore County Police Department's Fire Investigation Division used a lightning strike report from Core Logic to confirm that a bolt hit directly at the coordinates of the building.

The fire happened shortly after the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Baltimore County at 3:33 p.m.

"Stay informed during severe weather and other emergencies with BaltCo Alert, Baltimore County’s official emergency alert system," the fire department said on Facebook. "BaltCo Alert delivers written and recorded messages via call, text, and email to homes and businesses, providing safety information and instructions. The system alerts residents during severe weather, hazardous materials incidents, widespread utility outages, and more—helping them take timely, informed action to protect themselves and their families."

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at this link.

This map shows the area where officials said the fire happened.