Lightning strikes tank battery

Lightning struck near Interstate 20 and FM 1936 early Monday morning, setting fire to five tanks.

Chief Jimmy Ellis of the West Odessa Volunteer Department was on the scene after a dispatch call at around 2:45 a.m. alerted him of the fire. 

Ellis said one tank jumped up six feet above the ground before its lid blew off and landed 100 feet away near the interstate. The lid did not interfere with traffic and was removed later in the morning by the oil company, Ellis said.

 The fire was contained and burned for nearly six hours before the Odessa Fire Department extinguished it at 9 a.m., Ellis said.

No other fires caused by the thunderstorm were reported last night.  Ellis said there were no injuries.

Pam and Mike White were taking photos during the storm and saw the tanks as they were destroyed.  Pam White said the top blew off one tank and landed more than 50 yards away from the tank. She said they called 9-1-1 after witnessing the fire start.