Plumas National Forest responds to lightning fires — more expected
Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest are responding to lightning fires from recent storms and prepared to continue in coming weeks as more lightning fires are expected.
Yesterday 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 yesterday afternoon to a cedar tree located mid-slope 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 last night and are working on mop up this morning.
Thunderstorms are in the forecast today through Friday and more lightning is expected.
Storms early this week have been wet, however the three fires were strikes that occurred outside the rain footprint of the thunder cells.
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.
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 www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
