A lightning strike set off a fire that damaged two Long Island homes yesterday, authorities said.
The bolt struck a utility pole, jarring a power line loose on Smith Street in Franklin Square at 12:50 p.m.
The live wire ignited a fire at 619 Smith St., sending a mother and her three children fleeing. They were unhurt.
It quickly spread to the house next door, which was unoccupied.
Two firefighters were treated for electrical shock, and eight others for smoke-related injuries, authorities said. All of the injuries were minor.