CG lightning can occur with both positive and negative polarity. The polarity is that of the charge in the region that originated the lightning leaders. An average bolt of negative lightning carries an electric current of 30,000 amperes (30 kA), and transfers 15 coulombs of electric charge and 500 megajoules of energy.
Statewide, 19 wildfires greater than 1,000 acres in area are currently raging, according to the NIFC. The active fires have ravaged more than 630,000 acres, destroying approximately 200 homes and threatening another 12,000, according to Washington state officials.
Credit: NASA/Goddard, Lynn Jenner with information from Inciweb. Wildfires have been plaguing the western part of the United States for the summer season and no state seems to be without incident. Both Idaho and Wyoming have their share of wildfires as well. The Pioneer and Rough Fires are both burning in Idaho. The Maple Fire is blazing around Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.