Small Wildfires Sparked by Lightning in Modoc County ● UPDATING

Firefighters on the Modoc National Forest responded to several small wildfires caused by lightning strikes after thunderstorms swept through Modoc County on Monday. The fires were primarily single-tree ignitions, each remaining under an acre in size.

Officials noted that lightning-caused fires may continue to appear several days after a storm has passed, urging the public to remain vigilant.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning, in effect until 7 PM PDT this evening, for abundant lightning on dry fuels across Modoc and Siskiyou counties. The warning states that numerous new ignitions are likely, and any fires that develop could spread rapidly due to the dry conditions.

Storm cells are moving north and northeast at 20 to 25 mph, with a mix of dry and wet thunderstorms expected.

Forest Service officials are asking anyone recreating on the Modoc National Forest to report any wildfires they encounter. They also emphasized the importance of prevention: visitors should inspect tow chains to ensure they are not dragging and creating sparks, and campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving any campsite.

The combination of abundant lightning and extremely dry fuels poses a significant challenge for initial attack resources. Numerous new fires could overwhelm firefighting efforts, making public cooperation essential during this high-risk period.