Lightning strike causes fire at Brock Environmental Center wind turbine

What happened

A wind turbine at the Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach caught fire after being struck by lightning, according to the Virginia Beach Fire Department. When crews arrived, there were no flames, but smoke was still coming from the turbine, which officials said was smouldering. Rain extinguished the fire. No other structures were involved, no injuries were reported, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, which owns the centre, said the building was not damaged.

Contributing factors

Fire officials said the turbine was struck by lightning. Rain was falling at the time and was reported to have put the fire out.

Lessons learned

1. After a lightning strike, a turbine can keep smouldering after visible flames have gone, so arrival crews should treat smoke as an active fire until it is confirmed out.
2. Nearby buildings should be checked even when the fire appears limited to the turbine.
3. Small onshore turbines at occupied sites need a clear post-storm inspection and reporting route so owners and the fire service share the same account of damage.

Source

wtkr.com