Officials: Lightning strike causes fire at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

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Officials at the Turtle Back Zoo of West Orange report that a lightning strike started a blaze overnight. It was believed to happen at the Prudential Sea Turtle Recovery Building at approximately 9:45 p.m. The West Orange fire and police departments were dispatched to the scene. Essex County officers were dispatched, as well as mutual aid. Nutley Hazmat was requested, but later canceled. The fire was extinguished and is being investigated at this time. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincezo Jr. stated on Facebook Thursday morning that the lightning caused damage to the roof and the turtles were relocated to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society in New York. Officials say that the turtles were exposed to some heavy smoke, especially one turtle named Pickles. "