Two fires burning on monument
Two fires burning on monument
12 June 2015
published by http://www.recorderonline.com
USA Lightning strikes sparked a pair of small fires that are burning in the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
The North Fire, which is burning on about an acre of land northeast of Wishon Campground on the Western Divide Ranger District, was discovered late Wednesday. Monument officials said the fire, located about 12 miles east of Springville, began after lightning struck a tree.
A pair of 10-person hand crews supported by a helicopter crew and air tankers were working to suppress the fire Thursday. There was no immediate threat to homes.
The Grand Fire, located in a remote area of the Monarch Wilderness on the Hume Lake Ranger District, was burning slowly around the base of a large snag which officials said was likely struck by lightning.
The fire was discovered early Thursday, and a helicopter was being employed to shuttle crews and drop water on the fire. No structures are threatened.
National Monument officials said that in the past few weeks numerous lightning strikes have been recorded in the local mountains. The unstable conditions are expected to continue.
