Plumas National Forest reports that PNF firefighters are responding to lightning fires from recent storms and they are prepared to continue in coming weeks as more lightning fires are expected.
On Aug. 15, firefighters responded to and successfully contained two lightning fires on the Feather River Ranger District and one on the Mount Hough Ranger District.
The Gibson Fire located near Gibsonville Ridge and the Gravel Fire near Lookout Rock were both contained at a tenth of an acre.
The Humphrey Fire was the result of a lightning strike to a cedar tree located midslope on Keddie Ridge. The fire was visible from Indian Valley and in a location accessible only by hiking in. Firefighters were able to contain it at just under a half an acre.
Thunderstorms are in the forecast through Aug. 18 and more lightning is expected. Although storms have been wet, these three fires resulted from strikes that occurred outside the rain footprint of the thunder cells.
PNF reports that lightning fires can hold over for more than two weeks after a lightning strike, typically becoming visible as conditions dry out. Firefighters are monitoring conditions and are prepared to respond not only this week, but in the coming weeks ahead.
Area residents and visitors are asked to be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire, especially as firefighting resources work on lightning fire response. Report suspected wildfires by calling 911.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, or follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
Information submitted by Plumas National Forest
