A thunderstorm that swept through Philomath Tuesday morning left its mark on local school facilities by damaging a large ash tree and disrupting electrical systems.
The most significant damage occurred near Philomath High’s junior varsity softball field where lightning struck a towering ash tree. The tree caught on fire and the lightning created a dangerous crack running through its trunk.
“The large tree east of the JV softball field was struck by lightning, caught on fire and sustained substantial damage, which requires removal to mitigate safety issues,” said Joey Digiovannangelo, Philomath School District facilities director.
Philomath Fire and Rescue extinguished smoldering moss on the damaged tree before securing the area with caution tape and handing the scene over to school officials. The tree removal is planned for Wednesday.
Local firefighters were initially dispatched to Philomath Middle School at 7:48 a.m.
“The thunder and lightning messed with the electrical in the building and set off the fire alarm,” Philomath Middle School Principal Steve Bell said.
Students are scheduled to return to classes beginning Sept. 2.
“We are still sorting through all the impacted systems in the schools,” Digiovannangelo noted Tuesday afternoon. “Many systems are needing to be reset to function properly.”
So sad to see this beautiful tree go. Time to replant something for the next generation to enjoy.