With the lightning storm that passed through the state July 13 to 15, California sustained 7,139 lightning strikes.

Anticipating the incoming storms, the USDA Forest Service had pre-positioned resources throughout the state.

These resources were able to quickly respond to initial attack fires, resulting in a successful response rate of 94%.

In this three-day period, the Forest Service and its cooperators responded to 97 fires on Forest Service lands. Only six new fires from this storm went into extended attack.

Given the extremely dry, record-setting fuel conditions where much of the lightning struck, fire officials said this success rate stands out as a significant achievement for California.

Initial attack response was also aided by readily available staff, quick detection technologies, and intermittent cloud cover with rain.

“Over the past few days, our firefighters have been able to aggressively respond to fires that resulted from this lightning storm. The ability to maintain readiness for emerging initial attack fires is critical, even when we have large ongoing fires in the state,” said Pacific Southwest Region Fire Director Jaime Gamboa.

An additional 412 resources were brought into the state to assist with California’s wildland fire response.

On the Mendocino National Forest, fire restrictions went into effect on July 3 and will remain in force through the end of this year’s fire season.

The Forest Service said it remains at the ready during these critical summer months, to respond to emerging wildland fires across the state.