Lightning ignites dozens of fires in Sierra, Sequoia national forests

This week’s strange lightning storms caused 33 fires in the Sierra National Forest and 12 fires in the Sequoia National Forest, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

The Sierra National Forest’s 120 firefighters worked to extinguish small blazes sparked on Thursday and Friday morning. One was in the Bass Lake Ranger District, while 32 were in the High Sierra district.

The largest of the fires in the Sequoia National Forest, the four-acre Grey fire, is burning near Grey Meadow in the Western Divide Ranger District. Three hand crews have contained the fire. No roads or trails have been closed.

Although brush fires have ignited throughout forests in California, the forest service said there has yet to be a single injury at any incident.

The Sierra National Forest will staff an initial fire response team during the Fourth of July to battle any new starts. Additional visitor information staff members will also be on-hand to assist the influx of holiday travelers.

As of June 29, campfires are only allowed in designated recreation areas.

This story was originally published July 4, 2015 at 1:34 PM with the headline "Lightning ignites dozens of fires in Sierra, Sequoia national forests."