Latest / KMUD News / Lightning Sparks Fires Across Six Rivers; More Lightning in Today's Forecast
Transcript
- 0:00Firefighters are actively responding to a series of small fires across the Six Rivers National Forest after thunderstorms rolled through Northern California on Monday, delivering more than 280 lightning strikes to the North Coast. Crews from the Forest Service and Cal Fire are working together by land and air to locate and contain the fires, some of which are burning in remote, rugged terrain. As of this morning, five lightning caused fires have been confirmed on the Gaskey and Orleans yukonam ranger districts.
- 0:32The Myrtle fire, located northeast of Crescent City near Low Divide Road, is controlled and now in patrol status. The Goose fire, about a quarter acre in size, is northeast of Klamath and remains active. Three Forest Service engines, a hand crew, helicopters and support from Cal Fire are on scene. The Goose 2 fire east of Rocky Saddle has been contained and is in mop up. The Broken Fire, located near the east fork of Goose Creek, is being sized, but resources are actively eng.
- 1:04The fifth blaze, called the Woolly Fire, was reported in the Marble Mountain Wilderness, but aircraft have not yet been able to locate it. Officials say lightning holdovers Smoldering fires that appear days after storms are a serious concern. Six Rivers Management officer Josh Eichemer noted that steep terrain often makes access difficult and emphasized that firefighter safety and public safety remains the top priority today. Fire danger remains elevated. The National Weather Service in Eureka warns of another round of thunderstorms this afternoon, particularly over southern Trinity and northern Mendocino counties, including the Yoloboli Mountains. Interior areas of Humboldt and Del Norte have about a 15% chance of storm activity. Monday's storms brought gusty winds, dime sized hail and frequent lightning conditions ripe for fire starts. Outflow winds from the storms could reach 50 mph today, and with interior highs reaching the mid-90s and humidity dipping to 20%, any new ignitions could grow quickly. A cooldown is expected later this week, with temperatures in the low 80s inland and higher humidity returning by midweek. In the meantime, the Forest Service is urging residents and visitors to avoid anything that could spark a fire. Campfires must be completely out cold to the touch, and fireworks, including sparklers and poppers, remain prohibited on National Forest lands. Anyone who sees smoke or signs of fire should report it immediately by calling 91 1. Reporting for Cayman News, I'm Lisa Muzzle.