Lightning Strikes Home, Resident Burned, Dogs Killed

A lightning strike caused that destroyed a Wilde Hollow Road home, hospitalizing a resident and killing two dogs, Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bryan Bradley said.

The resident of the house suffered burns and was transported to Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Bradley said.

"To the best of our determination, it was caused by a lightning strike," Bradley said Saturday.

The fire department arrived at the house Friday at approximately 7:30 p.m. It took until about 10 p.m. to place the blaze under control. Crews remained on the scene until after midnight and returned Saturday to hose down some of the smoldering remains of the destroyed home, Bradley said.

A firefighter was also hospitalized as a precaution, Bradley said.

The Finderne Fire Department, Bound Brook Fire Department, Warren Township Fire Department, Liberty Corner Fire Department, Martinsville Fire Department, Green Knoll Fire Department, and various local rescue squads including the Somerville Rescue Squad's Rehab Unit responded to the fire.

Earlier on Friday, a house on Donald Drive in Bridgewater was also struck by lightning, resulting in a fire.

The Bridgewater Police Benevolent Association, PBA Local 174, is .