Lightning sparks fire, destroys Winn barn

WINN – A barn on the Old Military Road was destroyed by fire after it was struck by lightning Sunday afternoon.

The owners, Willard and Elizabeth Strong, lost all power and telephone service because of the lightning strike. A passing motorist alerted the Mattawamkeag Fire Department by cellphone at 5:57 p.m.

The barn was used for storage of mowers, canoes, furniture and books, and all were lost in the fire. The fire did not spread to the Strongs’ home, but it did destroy a swimming pool and camper next to the barn.

Firefighters spent two hours extinguishing the blaze. The Mattawamkeag Fire Department was assisted by the Lincoln and Medway departments.