Storm blamed for rash of false fire alarms

5/2/2003

Commercial fire alarms sounded throughout Toledo 27 times in just under 20 minutes Wednesday afternoon, sending firefighters hustling all over the city. The likely culprit: lightning.

The alarms were reported between 1:15 and 1:34 p.m. Fire Lt. Steven Starkloff said none of the fire alarms turned out to be actual fires.

“Probably what happened was there was some lightning, and it set off all those commercial fire alarms,” the lieutenant said.” We have seen that happen [before],”

Emergency crews were dispatched to most of the locations, while others were handled by phoning the alarm companies, the lieutenant said.