Lightning + Natural Gas = Fire In Littleton
May 7, 2008 ~ Just before 6 a.m. Littleton Engine 13 was alerted to the 5400 block of West Hinsdale Avenue for a reported vehicle fire. Shortly after the initial tone the response was upgraded to a possible structure fire. E13 arrived on scene to find a blowtorch of fire in the front yard and pulled a line. It quickly became apparent that a tree had been struck by lightning, causing an underground natural gas line to rupture and ignite. Crews from LFR remained on scene for over two hours as Xcel Energy attempted to shut down the gas line. One ground monitor was used to cool the fire and prevent further extension into the tree and a hand line was also in place as a safety line.
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