Firefighters believe a lightning strike was the cause of a house fire in Gate City that killed some puppies. Neighbors on Spring Valley Circle told dispatchers they saw the lightning and then heard a boom. Then they witnessed the fire at a house where no one was at home at the time. It’s reported that about 20 puppies were in the basement. Firefighters were able to rescue around ten of the animals but believe that another 10 died in the fire. Volunteer Fire Departments from Gate City, Weber City and Bloomingdale were on the scene. (bg)