Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry A fence encloses a section of Pennsylvania Avenue sidewalk adjacent to the Key Bank/Flatiron Building below the chimney that was struck by lightning last week. The fence will remain in place until the old chimney has been removed and a new one installed.

The rubble is gone and there’s no smoking crater, but signs that lightning struck downtown Warren are still visible.

After lightning shattered a chimney atop the KeyBank/Flatiron Building shortly after noon Wednesday, April 13, city crews closed the block of Pennsylvania Avenue between Liberty and Hickory streets.

No injuries were reported, but at least one vehicle was significantly damaged by falling debris and chunks of brick were scattered all over the sidewalk and street.

That closure only lasted long enough to make sure more debris wouldn’t fall and endanger passing motorists and pedestrians.

In the immediate absence of building owner Dave Winans, the city contacted Roger Luvison and Son Masonry to evaluate the situation atop the roof, according to Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz.

The chimney was stabilized and no other threats were apparent, so the road was reopened at about 4 p.m., Holtz said.

The eight-story building is the tallest target in the downtown, but Winans said he is not aware of any previous lightning strikes.

“The building damage was confined to a chimney,” he said. “Repairs to the building are underway and should be completed soon.”

The remains of the old chimney will be removed and new one constructed, Holtz said. Permits have been applied for to move forward with that work.

Luvison constructed the wooden fence that is in position below the chimney to keep pedestrians and parked vehicles away from the area, Holtz said. That structure will remain until repairs are completed. The chimney work may require the use of a special high-lift truck.