Lightning strikes illuminate skies, cause fires
<p>Reporter Colin Murphey captured this breathtaking image near the bridge in Plains.</p>
Superior Ranger District Fire Fighters are currently fighting 11 approximately one-tenth-acre fires as a result of over 400 lightning strikes since Sunday evening.
According to Assistant Fire Management Officer Lorie Cotter, reports of lighting-caused fires began at approximately 11:00 pm Sunday night and district firefighters quickly responded.
“We responded by pre-positioning people and engines in areas where we thought they would be needed,” Cotter said. “We worked well into (Monday) morning on the nine that sprouted up. Some didn’t show up until morning and we picked up a couple more during the heat of the day.”
Due to the fact that there was a small amount of rain accompanying the lightning, Cotter said the district is prepared for more fires throughout the week.
“We brought in additional resources and we are anticipating picking up fires from Sunday and Monday strikes for the next two weeks,” Cotter said.
Helicopters are also being staged at Mineral County Airport in order to proved water to ground crews as needed.
Be sure to check www.vp-mi.com and follow the Clark Fork Valley Press and Mineral Independent on Facebook for up to date information regarding the lighting-caused fires.