ABINGTON, Mass. — A lightning strike sparked a three-alarm fire at an Abington home early Friday morning, displacing a family of four and forcing officials to shut down a stretch of Route 139.
Crews were called around 5:25 a.m. for a report of a lightning strike at a home on Randolph Street. Firefighters arrived to heavy flames and quickly struck a third alarm.
Abington Fire Chief Jack Glynn said lightning struck a tree near the home, then traveled through the ground, reached the structure, and hit an electrical panel.
“The lightning hit the tree and traveled through the ground to the home,” Glynn said.
Neighbor Darlene Campbell described a frightening wake-up.
“It was a huge light-up, so my husband and I leaped up because we knew something had happened,” Campbell said. “He went one way, I went the other, and I heard him scream, ‘Oh my God, their barn’s on fire!’”
The lightning strike created a trench about 6 feet deep as it traveled through the ground, according to Glynn. The fire was primarily concentrated in a barn attached to the home.
Storms and downpours are expected throughout the day, with additional lightning strikes possible, the Boston 25 Weather team said.
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Firefighters faced difficult conditions at the scene, including collapse hazards and challenging footing, Glynn noted. Mutual aid was called in because Abington crews were already responding to other medical calls when the fire broke out.
No injuries were reported, but crews transported one firefighter for smoke inhalation.
The fire displaced two parents and two adult children, and the Red Cross is assisting the family.
“I just feel bad; it’s unfortunate, but they’re alive, they’re safe, and you can fix a house,” neighbor Campbell said.
A lighting strike leads to an early morning house fire on Randolph St in Abington. No one is injured - The Abington Fire Chief says two adults and two children were inside at the time and are safe. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/W6cRjsUQQh
— Alyssa Azzara (@alyssaazzaraTV) November 6, 2026
Glynn said the lightning strike also affected the electrical systems at two other homes in the area.
During the emergency response, Randolph Street, also known as Route 139, was closed between Lincoln Street and Chestnut Street. Motorists were asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
An investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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