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.
The Black Friday Bushfires. (The State of Victoria) At nearly 5 million acres burned, this Jan. 13, 1939, collection of blazes is still considered one of the largest wildfires in the world. The blazes, sparked by an oppressive heat and carelessness with fire, killed 71 people, destroying entire towns and taking out 1,000 homes and 69 sawmills.