Politics & Government
Lightning Blamed for Exeter Town Hall Fire
The building remains closed after Tuesday's fire.
Lightning was blamed for a fire at Exeter Town Hall Tuesday morning.
Fire Chief Brian Comeau said lightning struck the building at about 5:30 a.m. and fried the electrical system. A fire then broke out in a second-floor kitchen area shortly after 8 a.m.
A sprinkler contained the fire as firefighters rushed in and extinguished it. The building sustained heavy water damage.
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The building is used for various community events and is a popular venue for politicians. Former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul launched his presidential campaign there in 2011.
The building, which was built in 1855, remains closed as workers assess the damage. Comeau said a cost estimate on repairs is pending.
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The second floor has an arts studio run by the Exeter Arts Committee. None of the artwork was damaged.
Several members of the town's Finance Department work in the building's basement. Those workers have moved over to the Town Offices after the fire.
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