Sonora, CA…High summer temperatures and atmospheric conditions are causing thunderstorms to develop in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Forest firefighters are patrolling the forest looking for lightning-caused fires. While many strikes occur on the eastern Sierra slopes, the Forest is recording a large number of strikes on the west side of the Crest. “We’ve had significant strikes throughout each corridor, and Thursday is predicted to be the heaviest lightning event for the west side of the Crest,” said Dave Updike, Stanislaus National Forest’s Fire Chief. “We will fly recon flights for the next few days, looking to see if there are any new fire starts.”

The heavy snowfall and spring rains allowed grasses and shrubs to flourish, which increased fuel loads and the chance of fire spreading on the Forest, Updike said. “Many fires have been igniting at lower elevations, but now the high temperatures and low humidity are drying out the higher elevations on the Forest. The increased fuel loads at higher elevations mean lightning strikes are more likely to become an established wildfire.”

Fire lookouts are on alert, watching for smoke from lightning fires. Based on the number of lightning strikes already recorded on the Forest, Updike believes fires will occur. “We ask the community to be especially vigilant and help us by reporting any smoke they may see while they’re on the Forest. Our goal is to keep the community well informed about fire conditions. We’ll do that by notifying the public of all lightning-caused fires. The drying conditions and tree mortality makes it even more important to be prepared.”

If you hear thunder while hiking or camping on the Forest, do you know what to do? If you hear thunder, lightning can strike in your vicinity, so know how to protect yourself and your fellow travelers. For more information visit https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/lightning.
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