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2008 Lightning Siege Overview

(Updated August 11, 2008)

On June 20, 2008, a severe thunderstorm system moved through northern and central California resulting in over 6,000 total lightning strikes in more than 26 counties. The overwhelming number of lightning strikes, along with record dry conditions sparked over two thousand lightning fires. A combination of aggressive firefighting efforts from CAL FIRE and the USFS, including over 25,000 firefighting personnel from across the state, nation and world, strategically tackled the suppression of these incidents.

To date, 2,096 fires have burned nearly 1.2 million acres. The majority of these fires have been contained, yet conditions remain extremely dry and fire danger remains very high. As one of the most severe wildland fire situations ever experienced in California’s history, these fires destroyed a total of 511 structures and have taken 15 lives.
CAL FIRE Summary of Fires by County

Butte: The Butte Lightning Complex burned 59,440 acres and is now 100% contained. Click Here for more information.

Humboldt: The Humboldt Complex burned 1,325 acres and is now 100% contained.

Lake: The Walker Fire burned 14,500 acres and is now 100% contained. Click Here for more information.

Lassen, Modoc: The Corral Fire burned 12,434 acres and is now 100% contained. Click Here for more information.

Mariposa: The Oliver Fire burned 2,789 acres and now 100% contained.Click Here for more information.

Mendocino: The Mendocino Lightning Complex burned 53,300 acres and is now 100% contained. Click Here for more information.

Napa & Solano: The Wild Fire burned 4,089 acres and is now 100% contained. Click Here for more information.

Santa Clara: The Whitehurst and Hummingbird Fires burned a combined 994 acres and are both now 100% contained. Click Here for more information.

Shasta & Trinity: The Shasta and Trinity Lightning burned 86,500 acres and is now 100% contained. Click Here for more information.

Tehama & Glenn: The Tehama-Glenn Lightning Complex burned 22,907 acres and is now 100% contained.

 

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