Posted: Aug 13, 2012 4:09 PM by Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Lightning strikes in tinder dry areas of San Diego County have caused new fires.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Battalion Chief Nick Schuler says two new fires were sparked by lightning northeast of Julian on Monday.
No structures are threatened by the latest additions to a spate of fires called the Vallecito Lightning Complex.
CalFire spokeswoman Roxanne Provaznik says the fires now total 222 acres and more than 500 firefighters and six aircraft are at work.
Joshua Tree National Park spokesman Joe Zarki says a fire there has burned up to 300 acres, with flames moving through rocky hillsides covered with trees. The one-way scenic drive Keys View Road has been closed.
Moist, unstable air has has been producing thunderheads as a heat wave grips the region.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
PLEASE HELP US MODERATE COMMENTS
Offensive or inappropriate comments are subject to removal. To report a comment, please e-mail us at feedback@ksby.com, and include the name of the story and information on the comment.
Thank you! KSBY.com
Comments