2 Portsmouth Homes Struck By Lightning Minutes Apart

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Fire department resources were 'stretched thin' Wednesday evening after two Portsmouth residential buildings were struck by lightning within the same 15-minute time frame during a thunderstorm, according to the Portsmouth Fire Department.

The first lightning strike was reported at 6:13 p.m. at a home on Nathaniel Drive, from where the four residents called the police after hearing a noise and smelling smoke.

Fire officials arrived to find the attic over the garage on fire, with flames extending up the interior walls into the second floor and attic of the home. No injuries were reported but the home is inhabitable due to damage by fire and smoke, officials said.

The second strike occurred around 7:10 p.m. at a two-unit condo in the 100 block of Raleigh Way, but all Portsmouth Fire resources were committed to the earlier fire at the time of the call, so outside help was called, according to officials.

Officials found heavy smoke in the attic, and mutual aid ensured that the fire was brought under control in half an hour. One of the units was "moderately damaged by smoke and fire," with the adjoining unit unscathed.

No injuries were reported.