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.
Image options: [ Enlarge ] [ Full Size ] The 17,790-acre Washington Fire is located along side California Highways 89 and 4 around the Monitor Pass corridor. Some of the local areas affected include: Centerville Flat, Wolf Creek, Loope Canyon, Silver Hill, and Heenan Lake. The fire burned within approximately three miles south of Markleeville, California. Lightning activity that occurred in early June was the cause of the fire.