Home / Disasters and Accidents / Lightning Fire: Resources Stretched Thin
Lightning Fire: Resources Stretched Thin
9 Dec
Summary
- 26,000 lightning strikes ignited 157 fires statewide.
- Fires spanned multiple counties, fuel types, and terrain.
- Limited resources and erratic winds challenged firefighting efforts.
In September, a severe lightning storm unleashed a wave of over 157 fires across California, significantly straining emergency response capabilities. The complex, which included 21 fast-moving fires, notably impacted areas like Chinese Camp. This event occurred amid warnings of extreme heat and dry conditions, with fires erupting in diverse terrains and fuel types across Tuolumne, Calaveras, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties.
The sheer volume of lightning strikes, totaling 26,000 over two days, coupled with existing statewide resource deployments for extreme fire weather, caught many by surprise. Fires like the 6-5 and 2-7 "Murphys" fires grew rapidly, with one exceeding 7,000 acres and temporarily being "no divert" for aircraft. CAL FIRE highlighted challenges including resource limitations and second rounds of thunderstorms bringing erratic winds.
Officials acknowledged that while the weather event was rare, communication protocols can always be enhanced. The importance of defensible space in saving homes was emphasized, with county supervisors reinforcing efforts to ensure properties are cleared and exploring assistance for residents who need help with this crucial task.
