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At 1502 hours on July 19, 2002, the Lava and Narrowsburg Fire
Departments were dispatched to a structure fire at Cortese Auto Body at
6083 State Route 97. Bystanders reported a strong storm had passed
through and several large lightning strikes had hit the area.
Shortly thereafter, they reported seeing flames through the roof.
Arriving units found the structure and several vehicles inside 100%
involved and immediately began a defensive attack. Lava and
Narrowsburg were assisted at the scene by Lake Huntington, Yulan,
Welcome Lake, Beach Lake, and Tusten Ambulance with Highland Lake, White
Mills, Callicoon, and Kenoza Lake on standby duty at the various
stations. Due to the numerous vehicles surrounding the structure, access was
limited. A loader from the Town of Tusten Highway Department was
brought in to assist in getting to the hotspots within the structure.
The building was a total loss, but there were no injuries. The
cause of the fire was determined to be a direct lightning hit causing an
electrical surge. The owner, Vasa Mohan, reported sparks coming
from the electrical outlets following the lightning strikes, which
quickly ignited the numerous paint cans and other chemicals stored
inside. |
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Photos courtesy
of Susan Monteleone |
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