Dry lightning sparks fires, sends person to hospital in Palm Springs
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Palm Springs firefighters are actively patrolling the area as lightning continues to strike along the mountainsides surrounding the city, prompting crews to respond to multiple incidents, including two fires and a lightning strike that sent one person to the hospital.
Firefighters responded to an approximately half-acre vegetation fire sparked amid the ongoing lightning activity. Palm Springs fire units have since cleared the scene.
In a separate incident in Chino Canyon, firefighters responded to a palm tree fire as well as a report of a person struck by lightning. The individual was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
A small brush fire was put out this afternoon in the Snow Creek area, and officials from the Bureau of Land Management say an investigation is underway into the cause of the fire, and that lightning strikes were reported in the area at the time the blaze started.
The ongoing storms are producing what is known as dry lightning, lightning that occurs with little or no rain reaching the ground. Dry lightning can ignite vegetation and increase the risk of fires, particularly when grass, brush and trees are dry.
Fire crews are continuing to patrol the area and monitor the mountainsides for smoke and additional fires. Palm Springs firefighters remain prepared to respond to new incidents as conditions develop.
Residents and visitors are urged to take lightning seriously. If you hear thunder or see lightning, go indoors and remain there until the threat has passed.
Officials recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before returning outdoors.
Anyone who sees smoke or flames, or encounters someone experiencing a medical emergency, should call 911 immediately.
With lightning activity continuing across the area, firefighters are reminding the public to remain alert and take precautions while crews monitor conditions throughout Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains.
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