Atlantic Fire and Rescue was called to the scene of a residence at 408 Front Street, Tuesday evening, for what appeared to have been a lightning strike. The call came in just before 6-p.m. Fire Chief Mark McNees said there was smoke in the attic, but there was no obvious sign of a lightning hit.

There was burned wiring traced back to an extension cord that was connected to coupling that was plugged into a pool pump in the back yard. The pool pump exploded, causing the breaker box to trip. He said there was a bunch of wiring that was not connected to a junction box, but should have been. Regardless, there was no structural damage to the home. The power was cut off until an electrician can effect repairs sometime on Wednesday.

Later, McNees said a firefighter who lives nearby saw lightning in the area. It’s believed a bolt struck somewhere near the pool, possible finding a path to the wiring. Firefighters removed the smoldering insulation from the attic and ventilated the home. The residents and their animals got out safely.

Firefighters were on the scene for nearly an hour.