Plumas National Forest reports that a thunderstorm passing over the eastern side of the Plumas National Forest Saturday, Aug. 3, came with heavy rain but also more than 50 lightning strikes over the area. On Aug. 5, two holdover lightning fires from the storm were discovered on the Beckwourth Ranger District.
The largest was approximately 1 acre, located approximately a half-mile northeast of the Mill Fire. Remaining dozer line from Gold Complex suppression efforts helped to quickly contain the fire, said forest personnel.
An additional fire was discovered near Calpine Summit and quickly contained at a quarter-acre. “Both fires were spotted by our fire lookouts and local fire crews along with personnel still working on the Gold Complex responded quickly to contain both fires,” said Acting Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Ryan Bauer. “After two weeks of fighting lightning fires that resulted in the Gold Complex, we appreciate another great catch.”
Holdover lightning fires can smolder for days and even weeks following a thunderstorm. Following a wet thunderstorm like that on Saturday, it can take several days of dry and warm weather for these fires to become visible. Firefighters will continue to monitor conditions and respond to lightning fires as they are discovered.
Area residents and visitors are asked to be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire and to help prevent additional fires, especially now, as wildland firefighters are responding to lightning fires in the area. The public can also report suspected wildfires by calling 911.
“We appreciate the support from our local communities as we work through another significant fire season,” Bauer said Aug. 6. “Community protection <and> public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities and the work done yesterday helped keep the fires small.”
More information on the Plumas National Forest is available on the website or Facebook page.