Contained Lightning Fires Highlight Ongoing Storm Risks in Foothills

SIERRA FOOTHILLS — In the last week, local fire agencies have responded to a number of fires and fire threats. Many originated from lightning strikes, as several storm systems moved through the Sierra Nevada foothills over the weekend. The causes of other incidents remain under investigation.

Perhaps the most significant fire occurred on Sunday, August 24, when the US Forest Service responded to a wildfire south of Haskell Peak in Sierra County. The fire grew to roughly half an acre and prompted a full response, including air attack. However, the Haskell Fire was fully contained within a matter of hours.

On Monday, August 25, the Plumas National Forest reported responding to nine confirmed lightning fires across the Beckwourth and Mount Hough Ranger Districts, with the largest reaching approximately 1.6 acres. No communities or structures were threatened, all but four of the fires were contained by Monday morning, and all fires were staffed.

A continued chance of thunderstorms, rain, and flooding is expected through Wednesday in the Plumas National Forest, which may help prevent additional fire starts. However, “holdover lightning fires,” which can smolder for days or even weeks after a thunderstorm, could become visible as conditions dry later in the week.

“The Forest took a lot of lightning this weekend and we are prepared to respond to resulting fires as they are discovered,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Martin Senter. “We need the public’s help by calling 911 to report suspected wildfires, but also to use caution and prevent human-caused wildfires.”