CHATHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — August 7, 2026 —After the house was hit by lightning during a storm, firefighters from many agencies responded to a residential structure fire in Chatham Township on Friday nite.

The first unit to arrive was Engine 10 of the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department. Firefighters had an early start to the response since Engine 10 was already working on another incident when the team was diverted to the suspected building fire.

The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Green Village Fire Department were able to react quickly and started working on overhaul, search, and fire suppression operations. The fire was mostly discovered in the attic by firefighters, with a little amount spreading into a nearby room.

The fire was contained before it could cause significant extension into the rest of the residence. The homeowners and their pet were inside when the lightning strike occurred but escaped without injury.

One firefighter was transported to a hospital for evaluation of a heat-related condition brought on by the high heat and humidity. The firefighter was released later that evening, according to the Green Village Fire Department.

The response involved multiple fire departments and emergency-service agencies from the surrounding area. Mutual-aid fire companies included Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department, Chatham Borough Fire Department, New Providence Fire Department and Summit Fire Department, while Madison firefighters provided station coverage. New Vernon Fire Department also assisted at the incident. The Chatham Emergency Squad and Chatham Township Police Department supported operations as well.