Lighting strikes ground near three firefighters

Frequent lightning strikes brought on by severe thunderstorms caused a few emergencies Tuesday in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

In Boca Raton, three firefighters who extinguished a blaze at a house that had been hit by lightningwere knocked to the ground when a second bolt struck near them.

“Theywere bending over to bring the water hose fromthe back of the house to the truck and that’s all they remember,” said Boca Raton Assistant Fire Chief Michael LaSalle. “We’re not sure if it hit them or the ground first, but in my opinion it must have hit near them. Direct hits usually end badly.”

Theywere taken to DelrayMedical Center. Two suffered minor injuries and went home Tuesday evening, LaSalle said. One firefighterwas more seriously injured andwas being evaluated.

“They’re still not sure about the extent of his injuries,” LaSalle said. “They’re keeping him overnight and running tests.”

A flat-bottomed boat started sinking when itwas caught in the middle of a thunderstorm in the Everglades.

Two boatswere in thewater and one was taking onwater, said Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesmanMike Jachles. One had two occupants, the other had one person aboard.

All threewere picked up by a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue airboat and taken to EvergladesHoliday Park. No onewas injured.