Lightning to blame in Clay St. fire

Jasper — Lightning touched off a fire at Line-X, 20 South Clay Street, Monday morning at about 9:30 a.m.

According to Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang, the call about the fire was received at about 9:30 a.m. The department responded with five trucks and 33 firefighters.

According to Hochgesang, lightning his a utility pole behind JR’s Bar, knocking a power line to the ground. The line set off a small fire in Line-X, but employees there were able to extinguish the flames.

When the fire department arrived, the line was still live and sparking. A Jasper Electrical Distribution crew arrived and shut down power to the area while repairs were made.

Power came back on at about 10:18 a.m.