A storm that moved into northern Rhode Island Friday afternoon took out a communication tower in Harrisville, with firefighters cutting power to the emergency equipment following a lightening strike.
Harrisville Fire Chief Michael Gingell told NRI NOW that lightening struck outside the tower, which is attached to the station on Callahan School Street, just after 4 p.m. on Friday, June 2. Sparks and smoke were detected in the station’s communication room and power to the facility was cut.
“At that time, routine phone lines to the station were down as well as two way radio communication equipment,” Gingell said around 6 p.m. “Alternate systems were mobilized.”
Gingell noted that 911 was operating for any emergency communication into the Harrisville Fire Station.