High Fire Danger Today, Several Small Starts From Lightning

A cold front rolling over North Central Washington is causing lightning strikes, worrying fire officials. Bolts streaked above west and north Wenatchee early this morning. Chelan County District #1 and State DNR fire crews responded to several small starts up Horse Lake Reserve and Burch Mountain.
A Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch are in effect today from hot temps and high winds, leading to a high fire danger.

Several fires were caused by lightning in Okanogan County yesterday, said Emergency Services Director Maurice Goodall. At least four fires were reported yesterday – the Dry Coulee Fire and Lime Belt Fire near Okanogan, one by Tonasket and another near Oroville.
The Dry Coulee and Lime Belt fires prompted Level 1 Advisories. The State Department of Natural Resources deploying two Fire Bosses on Dry Coulee, and additional air support for the Lime Belt Fire.
Ground crews from DNR and Okanogan County Fire Districts were on the scene working the fires when a big rain lasting several minutes helped give crews the upper hand. No structures were threatened and by yesterday evening roads reopened. Crews will continue to work and monitor the areas for hot spots.
Photos: Above: Fire Weather Watch from National Weather Service. Top: Marked lightning strikes across the region, from National Interagency Fire Center.