Thousands of Lightning Strikes Spark Dozens of Fires in NorCal, S. Oregon
Comments 0YREKA, Calif. (USFS) -- Nineteen new wildfires started on the Klamath National Forest as a result of lightning strikes during severe thunderstorm activity over the weekend. The thunderstorms produced over 3,000 lightning strikes in Northern California resulting in 300 fires.
There were 15 starts on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District, two on the Salmon/Scott Ranger District, and two on the Goosenest Ranger District. These fires totaled approximately three acres with the largest being 1.3 acres. As the lightning caused fires were discovered, Forest Service firefighters immediately responded and began fire suppression activity and were able to contain or control all of the fires.
Firefighters from the Klamath National Forest worked in cooperation with CAL FIRE firefighters in fire suppression efforts over the weekend. CAL FIRE Dispatch reported nineteen lightning caused fires.
Some resources from the Klamath National Forest have been sent to assist in the firefighting efforts on the Modoc and Lassen National Forest as well as in Oregon. All other crews are available on the Forest for initial attack and are monitoring the areas that had the largest amount of lightning strikes.
More fires are expected to be reported throughout the day as temperatures rise. Fire management personnel are managing the fires as they are reported. Forest Service meteorologists expect continued thunderstorm activity with possible lightning for the next three days.
Fires restrictions are in effect for the Klamath National Forest, except for the Trinity Alps, Russian, Marble and Siskiyou Wilderness areas.
Additional information is available online here.
