Lightning Strikes Newark Home, WGFC Assists on House Fire

 
July 6, 2026
 

In the midst of strong thunderstorms, the West Grove Fire Company was dispatched to assist the Aetna Hook, Hose & Ladder Company of Newark, DE for a house fire in the the White Clay Creek area of northern New Castle County.

The call, on Fox Lane, involved a house struck by lightning, with first arriving units reporting smoke and fire from the roof. WGFC responded with Engine 22-1, Engine 22-2, and Tanker 22. The home was in a development with no hydrants, and the WGFC units played a key role in handling water supply for the fire scene. Newark units, assisted by a number of other area companies, fought a fire in the attic and second floor. West Grove units supplied 3,500 gallons of water from Tanker 22, which was then utilized as a "nurse" tanker, with other units pumping off their water into the tanker -- including 2,000 gallons from Engines 22-1 and -2.

The call was dispatched for West Grove at 9:43pm, with units returning just before midnight.
 
Units: Engine 22-1, Engine 22-2, Tanker 22
 
Mutual Aid: Newark 7-8-9, and various New Castle County companies.
 
Arriving conditions with smoke from the roof and fire self venting at a lightning strike location.
Arriving conditions with smoke from the roof and fire self venting at a lightning strike location.
 
The house was struck by lightning, with fire damaging the attic, roof and second floor. WGFC provided water supply at this call handled by Aetna of Newark 7-8-9.
The house was struck by lightning, with fire damaging the attic, roof and second floor. WGFC provided water supply at this call handled by Aetna of Newark 7-8-9.
 
Tanker 22 served as a nurse tanker, providing a total of 5,500 gallons of water to the scene.
Tanker 22 served as a nurse tanker, providing a total of 5,500 gallons of water to the scene.
 
West Grove units handled water supply at this fire scene.
West Grove units handled water supply at this fire scene.