Hertfordshire fire chief’s plea after lightning strikes

PLEASE look out for friends, family and neighbours in the wake of today’s storms.

That’s the plea this afternoon (Tuesday) from Hertfordshire chief fire officer Roy Wilsher.

He spoke out with more than half of the county’s fire engines at incidents caused by lightning strikes.

Crews from London are on standby in the south of Herts to provide emergency operation cover.

Mr Wilsher said: “Today’s storms have resulted in a number of serious incidents, which our firefighters are dealing with extremely well in very difficult conditions.

“The ongoing storm is making their task even more difficult and they have put themselves in precarious positions to stop fires spreading further and minimising damage to properties.

“Colleagues from London Fire Brigade are providing cover in the south of the county and we are grateful for their support.”

He added: “Please look out for friends, family members and neighbours during this time.”

Among the callouts crews responded to was a detached property in Ayot St Peter which was struck by lightning.

A search of a commercial property in Station Road, Digswell, is taking place following a lightning strike which has caused damage to the roof and chimney.

Two ladders and the thermal imaging camera are in use.