California prepares for wildfire risk as thunderstorms bring lightning threat

FILE — Wildfire smoke rises over Interstate 5 in Stockton, Calif., on Aug. 30, 2023. CAL FIRE has prepositioned crews statewide as storms and dry lightning raise the risk of new wildfires. (Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local)

California has prepositioned firefighting resources across the state in anticipation of thunderstorms bringing heavy rain, dry lightning and gusty winds that could spark new wildfires, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced.

CAL FIRE has boosted staffing statewide, a press release issued Thursday said.

The agency has added extra engines, strike teams, and hand crews in both its northern and southern regions and in contract counties including Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, Los Angeles and Marin.

The move follows August’s “lightning siege,” which produced more than 110,000 lightning strikes, 530 fires and nearly 29,000 acres burned.

The National Weather Service said warm, dry conditions combined with tropical moisture could trigger thunderstorms through this week. While some rain may be beneficial, the potential for dry lightning remains high.

“Lightning can strike with little or no warning, sparking dangerous wildfires,” CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler said, urging residents to stay alert, follow evacuation orders and take lightning safety seriously.

CAL FIRE officials also reminded Californians to have emergency “go bags” ready and sign up for local alerts to receive real-time information during evacuations.

The post California prepares for wildfire risk as thunderstorms bring lightning threat appeared first on Local News Matters.

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