Tracy said two witnesses saw lightning strike a large pile of trash at about 2:15 p.m. Sunday. The fire was on Golden Pond Road, about one-half mile off Moonshine Road, near a residence rented by Rose Carter, Tracy reported.
The fire chief said flames were about five feet high when firemen arrived, and the fire caused a large plume of smoke, possibly from tires in the trash pile.
"We had two explosions, probably from old butane tanks from gas barbecues," Tracy said.
Tracy said the fire also ignited a power pole and caused a grass fire, which came to within a foot of two mobile homes.
"We were able to save both homes," Tracy said.
He reported the fire district sent three pumpers, one grass rig and 13 firemen to the fire, and firemen were on the scene for about two hours.
The firemen were assisted by Webbers Falls and Gore firemen and one fire truck from Webbers Falls and two trucks from Gore.
Tracy said, "The fire could have been bad if it had gotten out of hand."
