Lightning Strike Causes a Fire at Montgomery Retirement Community, All Residents Evacuated, Authorities Say

By Barbara A. Preston | September 2, 2026 (Updated at 9:30 am)

A lightning strike ignited a fire — mostly heavy smoke — at a 55-and-over residential building on Scarborough Road in Belle Mead on Tuesday evening, prompting a swift multi-agency response that safely evacuated every resident, local officials said.

The scene at 22 Scarborough Road in Belle Mead on September 1.

Photo by Douglas Herring.

The fire, which authorities believe was caused by a direct lightning strike during a recent thunderstorm, sent fire crews from at least four departments to the scene in the Belle Mead section of Montgomery Township, just on the border with HIllsborough.

All residents of the 96-unit Meadows at Montgomery building were evacuated without injury, authorities said. First responders searched inside, and checked the roof. No injuries were reported.

Built in 2022, the three-story apartment building offers units with rents ranging from $2,665 to $3,215.

(Montgomery News file photo)

Firefighters from two local companies, along with units from Rocky Hill Fire Company and the Hillsborough Fire Department, worked alongside Montgomery Emergency Medical Services to contain the fire and account for residents. The 911 call came in at 8:30 pm for a smoke condition, authorities said.

Fire officials say the damage was serious enough that three apartments have been rendered uninhabitable. Local officials are now working to secure temporary housing for the displaced residents.

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Authorities told The Montgomery News that the lighting strike likely overloaded some electrical wiring that began smoking. There was smoke damage.

First responders included: Montgomery 45, Montgomery 46, Rocky Hill 53, Hillsborough and Hillsborough Flagtown, and Montgomery EMS 47 all responded.

Photos from the scene:

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Photos by Douglas Herring.

Mayor Neena Singh was at the scene for two hours.

“On behalf of Montgomery Township, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our extraordinary first responders following the  powerful lightning strike,” she told The Montgomery News.

“Our police officers, our firefighters from companies 1 & 2 , OEM and  EMS personnel rushed toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating the highest level of professionalism and bravery. Their rapid, coordinated action kept our residents safe, contained the damage, and prevented a serious situation from turning into a tragedy. We are incredibly fortunate to be protected by such dedicated individuals who put this community first every single day.”