Wind turbine at Brock Environmental Center catches fire after lightning
May 2024Published 29 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
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What happened
A wind turbine at the Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach caught fire on 27 May 2024 after being struck by lightning, according to the Virginia Beach Fire Department. When crews arrived there were no active flames, but the turbine was smouldering. Rain put the fire out. No other structures were involved, the centre's building was not damaged, and no injuries were reported.
Contributing factors
Fire officials confirmed a lightning strike. No further cause has been reported.
Lessons learned
- A lightning strike can leave a wind turbine smouldering after visible flames have gone, so a later inspection is still warranted.
- Rain may extinguish an outdoor turbine fire before crews arrive; that does not replace a check of the turbine and nearby structures.
- Owners should be ready to confirm promptly whether the associated building was damaged and whether anyone was hurt.
More lessons on weather and external hazards, fire suppression and firefighting, from every incident on the register.
Source
Published 2026-09-29. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
