First responders and emergency officials in South Jersey were not immune to Mother Nature's fury Tuesday as strong storms severely damaged a fire headquarters and lightning strikes shocked 911 dispatchers.
The roof of Mantua Township's firehouse was ripped clear off and sent flying into the trees at the height of the storm. Water poured into the station's meeting room, kitchen, bunks and administrative offices causing even more damage.
"Our department has gone to [Superstorm] Sandy when that hit, and this I guess would compare to Sandy, but for here, it was bad," said firefighter Shawn Layton. He was inside the firehouse when the storm hit.
The damage didn't stop Layton and his team from responding, though. He said the department went out to more than 70 calls following the violent storm.
"It has been a long day and a half so far," he said.
The storm brought 85 mph winds, blinding rain and thousands of lightening strikes as it barreled through the region.
Several lightning bolts connected with Salem County's 911 Dispatch Center in Mannington Township.
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An emergency dispatcher tells NBC10 five dispatchers were on-duty answering calls during the storm when they were shocked by the strikes. The injuries were non life-threatening.
Back in Mantua, the department is still using the firehouse as their headquarters despite being exposed to the elements. It's not clear how long repairs may take.
