Lightning Strikes Keep Forest Service Busy

August 24, 2023


Press Release by USFS

081623---Blackhawk-Fire-3-R.jpgFirefighters respond to Blackhawk FireQUINCY, CA — Firefighters in the Plumas National Forest are continuing to respond to lightning and other fires in the forest.

Three lightning fires were discovered last night and were contained and controlled at a tenth of an acre.

On the Feather River Ranger District, the Hopkins Fire was located near Hopkins Creek and Blue Nose. On the Mount Hough Ranger District, the Loop Fire was located west of Quincy in the forest above Purdy Lane, and the Blackhawk Fire was located above the Mount Hough Ranger District Office.

Today firefighters responded to the Haskins Fire near Bucks Lake. The fire was contained at 7 hundredths of an acre and crews are mopping up. The cause is under investigation.

The Ridge Fire, a lightning fire reported around 1 p.m. on Mount Hough Ranger District near Snake Lake was contained at a quarter acre. Firefighters are working on mop up.

At around 4 p.m. the Blue Fire was reported at McRae Meadow on the Beckwourth Ranger District, in a remote area west of Plumas-Eureka State Park. The fire is burning in high elevation fir, is estimated to be approximately 5 acres and there is a hoselay around the fire.

Multiple air and ground resources were fighting the fire this evening, including two helicopters, two air tankers, air attack, engines, handcrews and overhead. There are no immediate threats to structures or communities. The cause is still being determined.

The chance of thunderstorms in the area has been extended to next Tuesday, August 22, with cooler temperatures and predictions of heavy rain on Monday.

Lightning fires can hold over for more than two weeks after a lightning strike, typically becoming visible as conditions dry out. Plumas National Forest firefighters are monitoring conditions and prepared to respond not only this week, but in the coming weeks ahead.

The Forest Service is providing support to fires from recent lightning activity across Northern California. However, firefighting resources are being maintained to be able to respond effectively to local lightning fires.

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.