California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Amador-El Dorado Unit

CONTACT: Teri Mizuhara, Fire Prevention Specialist II, 530.708.2724
RELEASE DATE: September 06, 2012

Thunderstorms Pound Area
 

Camino - During the past 24 hours, lightning activity in the Amador-El Dorado Unit (AEU) of CAL FIRE has resulted in 13 wildland fires from 310 lightning strikes. The unexpected thunderstorm brought with it lightning with wetting rain in some areas and dry lightning (little or no rain) in other areas with more stormy weather anticipated today. "CAL FIRE firefighters are aggressively suppressing wildland fires across the unit in the state responsibility lands ranging from very rugged and often isolated areas covered in timber to the oakwoodlands in the front country" says Incident Commander Brian Estes, adding "we anticipate that additional wildland fires will erupt as the affected areas dry out later this week."

Due to this recent thunderstorm activity and current weather forecasts, Unit Chief Kelly Keenan wanted to remind everyone of some basic lightning safety tips:

• If you hear thunder then lightning is close enough to be a real threat, seek shelter indoors,
• Lightning bolts can strike 10-15 miles from a thunderstorm,
• Lightning does strike the same place twice,
• If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, move towards a safe shelter,
• The safest shelter is a building with wiring and plumbing. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches do NOT necessarily protect you from lightning,
• Do not use corded telephones unless absolutely necessary
• Wait for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder is heard to resume outside activities

"The best idea is to err on the side of caution, go indoors and stay there until the thunderstorm has passed. Safety should be priority one for you and your family" adds Chief Keenan. For more information on lightning safety visit www.weather.gov/os/lightning and remember "when thunder roars go indoors."

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