Lightning strike, fire reported west of RS

A fire set off by a lightning strike caused a power outage in the Purple Sage area west of Rock Springs Monday morning.

Sweetwater County deputy sheriffs and firefighters were advised of a power pole on fire early Monday morning, resulting in a power outage at residences and businesses in the area between Highway 191 South and Kanda.

The burning pole was located north of Interstate 80 near the intersection of Purple Sage Road and old Highway 30.

Sheriff Mike Lowell said the fire, which destroyed not only the power pole, but burned through a significant area of surrounding brush, was extingu...