Lightning strike causes boat fire in Hampstead

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — A 40-foot fishing boat was engulfed in flames late Sunday night in the Washington Acres neighborhood of Hampstead, according to the Pender County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Pender EMS & Fire responded to the scene at approximately 10:45 p.m. and put out the flames. No one got hurt, but the boat was declared a total loss.

The Pender County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the cause of the fire and preliminary findings determined that a lightning strike sparked the blaze.

Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, Pender County Emergency Management, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Officials are reminding residents to remain vigilant during severe weather conditions and take precautions to minimize risks.