A large fire damaged several businesses inside a complex in Lakewood Wednesday afternoon.

The fire broke out around 2:20 p.m. at the business complex located at 144 Cross St. Police say that a witness reported hearing a loud explosion just before the fire.

The fire ignited while a major snowstorm was coming through the area. The storm hampered some of the firefighters’ efforts, but crews were able to get the fire under control.

There were reports of thunder and lightning in Lakewood just prior to the fire, leading some speculation that a lightning strike sparked the fire. But officials have not officially said the cause of the fire yet.

Among the businesses in the complex damaged by the fire was a shop used for welding.

Nearby homes were evacuated for a time due to smoky conditions.

No injuries were reported.