OIL TANK NEAR LAKE SOMERVILLE CATCHES FIRE AFTER LIGHTNING STRIKE WEDNESDAY

  

An oil storage tank near Lake Somerville caught fire Wednesday afternoon in the midst of the heavy storms that moved through the area.

Just after 3:30 p.m., the Gay Hill and Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Departments responded to an oil well site near Leisure Road and FM 1948.

According to Gay Hill Volunteer Fire Chief Donald Schroeder, firefighters found upon arrival that a storage tank had been struck by lightning.  The strike ruptured the tank and ignited its contents, allowing them to spill out onto the oil pad.

Crews spent about 45 minutes on scene allowing the fire to burn out.  Schroeder said there were no other damages to the well location.