Employees at Concentrix, 1900 Meyer Drury Drive, in Arnold had to evacuate the business’s building late Wednesday afternoon (June 26) after it appeared lightning struck an air-conditioning unit, the Rock Community Fire Protection District reported.
Rock Fire was called at 4:11 p.m. because smoke was in the building. When firefighters arrived there was light smoke, soot and a distinct smell coming from the drop ceiling. The evidence indicated an air conditioning unit had been hit by lightning, Fire Marshal Jeff DeLapp said. “Because those HVAC units are three-phase electric, when lightning strikes them, it burns a phase out, and it will burn the motor up. That sends black smoke out,” he said.
DeLapp said about 100 people had to evacuate the building; they were allowed to re-enter the business at 5:35 p.m.
Rock Fire was assisted by the Mehlville, Dunklin and Antonia fire protection districts along with Rock Township Ambulance District.