What caused the September Lightning Complex Fire?

The September Lightning Complex Fire was caused by a severe lightning storm that sparked numerous fires across California.

How were resources affected by the September Lightning Complex Fire?

Firefighting resources were significantly stretched due to the large number of fires ignited by a massive lightning storm.

Which counties were impacted by the September Lightning Complex Fire?

The fires impacted Tuolumne, Calaveras, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties, among others across California.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Lightning Fire: Resources Stretched Thin

Lightning Fire: Resources Stretched Thin

9 Dec, 2025

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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.

Lightning Fire: Resources Stretched Thin

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.