Fast-Moving Storm Damages Homes

On Sunday, June 20, shortly before 3 p.m., Norfolk was struck by a fast-moving storm which left homes damaged and felled trees blocking roads. Norfolk Fire Department Captain Peter Petruchik, the shift officer,noted that the storm virtually formed over the com­munity as the firefighters in the station watched skies go from clear to black with driving rain and lightning. During a 90-min­ute period the Fire Department responded to 11 calls, including a report of a house struck by lightning on Mirror Lake, two homes heavily damaged by trees falling, and a vehicle crushed in the driveway of a Seekonk Street residence.

This Myrtle Street home was one of the first calls to which the Fire Department respond­ed on Sunday, June 20 after a severe storm impacted Norfolk at around 3 p.m. The roof of the home and porch were struck by a falling tree. A loader was required to move the heaviest section of the tree. Pictured here are firefighters securing the roof with tarps to prevent further damage. The Town’s Building Commissioner and Electrical Inspector also responded. Photos courtesy of the Norfolk Fire Department Fire Chief Cole Bushnell praised the work of Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Wood, Capt. Petruchik and the firefighters. Bushnell noted that Deputy Chief Wood and Capt. Petruchik directed operations. He said that fireresources were stretched to the limit as on-duty members and recalled career and call fire­fighters staffed two engines and a ladder truck to ensure all calls were answered. (Below): Ladder 1 arrives on scene at a Boardman Street residence struck by a falling tree during Sunday’s storm. Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Amiot is visible inspecting damage on the roof.
(Above): Firefighter/Para­medics Mark Amiot, atop roof, and Dave Russo work to clear the roof of a Board­man Street residence heav­ily damaged by a tree felled by Sunday’s storm.