Lightning strikes across Madera County spark multiple fires

MADERA COUNTY (KFSN) -- Lightning strikes across the valley ignited about seven spot fires close to Highway 41 a little after 5:00 Thursday afternoon.

Meteorologists say the lightning strikes came in clusters, with at least 20 to 30 strikes hitting these areas where the fires started. At one point flames threatened a few structures but Cal Fire and forest service's crews quickly contained the flames before it caused any damage.

Cal Fire Division Chief David Allen said, "Thirty different resources out there between dozers, engines, hand crews, we've got two helicopters an air attack flying on them earlier."

Cal Fire said each spot fire only spread to about two or three acres each. But with the heat and humidity, in combination with other conditions, a few acres could have quickly turned into thousands in a short amount of time.

"Fires right now with this grass crop that's behind us, is just carrying the fire faster, hotter, than we would normally have this time of year," said Allen.