Lightning May Have Sparked Pennsylvania Gas Well Fire

Officials investigating a gas well fire in southwestern Pennsylvania say a lightning strike may be to blame.

Crews quickly put out the fire that started at a well in Chartiers Township, Washington County, early Wednesday morning.

The fire prompted the evacuation of nearby homes, but residents were allowed back inside shortly after 1 a.m. No injuries were reported.

WTAE-TV reports that investigators are looking into reports that lightning struck the well, causing the fire. Severe weather was moving through the area at the time of the blaze.