Thunderstorms across the Plumas National Forest brought abundant lightning and some areas of heavy rain across the Forest. The heaviest lightning was observed on the Beckwourth Ranger District.
Since last night, firefighters on the Beckwourth Ranger District have responded to eight confirmed lightning fires. Six of the fires are a tenth of an acre, with five controlled and in patrol status and one staffed with firefighting resources.
The largest of the eight confirmed fires is the Conklin Fire estimated to be just over a quarter acre in the Conklin Park Campground area. The fire is now contained and is expected to be controlled and in patrol status later this evening.
Firefighters are currently responding to the most recent fire reported just before 5 p.m. in the Frazier Falls area.
At this time, there are no confirmed lightning fires reported on the Feather River or Mount Hough Ranger Districts.
There are no evacuations or structures threatened at this time, with most of the fires burning in remote areas.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms in the area this evening ahead of a drying trend with increasing temperatures and periods of gusty winds later this weekend.
Holdover lightning fires can smolder for days and even weeks following a thunderstorm. After a wet thunderstorm, it can take several days of dry and warm weather for these fires to become visible.
Firefighters will continue to monitor conditions and respond to lightning fires as they are discovered in the coming days.
There are numerous local and visiting wildland firefighting resources assigned to the Plumas National Forest prepared to respond to wildfires as needed. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority this fire season.
Area residents and visitors are asked to be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire and to help prevent additional fires. The public can also report suspected wildfires by calling 911.
Sharing a photo from last night and the Guard Fire – a lightning fire located near Crocker Guard Station. The fire was approximately a tenth of an acre and is controlled and in patrol status.
