Question
today during a thunderstorm my irrigation system panel in my garage blew up. The sprinkler was not on when I left in fact the system was shut off.  When I returned the 1st zone was on..I could not figure it out.  When I went in garage the panel for timing , off and on etc..had blow up.. the back of panel was scorched.  The fuse had been replaced two days earlier, could something been wrong with fuse or was the system struck by lighting.  Thanks for any help you can give.

Answer
Thanks for the question.
Thats a lightning strike. The scorched back tells it. You will need to replace the controller. You should contact your homeowners insurance to see if they will cover it. I would also check the other electric appliances for damage.

Matt