Story & Photos by CHRISTIAN FREZZA

Manchester, Connecticut firefighters from the Manchester Fire Department (8th Utilities District) responded to a 2nd Alarm fire at 11 Oakland St. at 3:59 am on September 4, 2002.

The 2 1/2 story occupied frame dwelling was struck by lightning as severe storms passed over the area.

After a delayed alarm firefighters arrived and transmitted a working fire for fire in the attic.

Heavy smoke and heat conditions were encountered as firefighters stretched 3 attack lines to combat the fire.

All occupants were reported out of the building.

An evacuation signal was transmitted at 4:44 am to remove all firefighters from the building due to rapidly deteriorating conditons.

Manchester's Tower 1 operated a master stream on the A side of the building as Quint 3 from Manchester Fire Rescue EMS Department (IAFF L1579) firefighters evacuated roof operations to assist with master stream operations on the D side of the building.

Bolton Fire Department was also called to the scene for assistance.

Firefighter's from three departments were on scene until the fire was declared under control at 6:08 a.m.

Severe lightning and thunderstorms hampered firefighter's efforts throughout the operation.