GUERNSEY COUNTY, Ohio — Emergency crews responded Tuesday night after a reported lightning strike caused an explosion at a well pad in the Fairview area.
According to emergency radio traffic, the incident was reported around 9:53 p.m. on Waymor Road when a caller reported lightning struck a silo at the well pad, causing an explosion. The caller described seeing what appeared to be a “mushroom cloud” following the blast.
Fire departments from Fairview, Antrim, Old Washington and Quaker City responded to the scene, with Barnesville firefighters later requested to assist.
Responding crews established a staging area away from the well pad and waited for personnel from Ascent Resources before developing a response plan. Fire officials also loaded a mobile foam unit but kept it at the staging area pending further instructions.
By approximately 11:10 p.m., firefighters reported several small fires burning on the well pad. Officials said the fires were minor and were burning themselves out while crews continued waiting for Ascent personnel before taking additional action.
No injuries were immediately reported. The extent of any damage and the cause of the incident have not been officially confirmed, and the situation remains under investigation.
