Crews are battling multiple brush fires sparked by lightning strikes in the Warner Spring area Saturday, according to Cal Fire.
A 2-acre vegetation fire broke out around 2 p.m., according to Cal Fire’s Twitter feed. The fire was spreading slowly amid heavy rainfall in the area.
.@CALFIRESANDIEGO crews working multiple down strikes of lightning in Warner Spring area all associated with rain at this point.
— CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) July 8, 2017
The area is located about 67 miles north of downtown San Diego, near Anza Borrego Desert State Park and the Cleveland National Forest.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms and rain showers forecast through Saturday evening in Warner Springs.
.@CALFIRESANDIEGO Crews working a 2 acre vegetation fire in Warner Springs. Slow rate of spread and heavy rain in the area. #WarnersFire
— CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) July 8, 2017
Another small fire broke out near Oak Road, east of State Route 79, reported NBC 7. Cal Fire officials said lightning strikes likely caused this fire as well.
Dry lightning can occur when the precipitation from a cloud evaporates before it reaches the surface, according to NBC 7. The resulting lightning strikes can hit anywhere.