By Shelby Danley
Last weekend’s thunderstorms produced numerous lightning strikes in the Warner Mountains. Fortunately, only one strike resulted in a fire, setting a tree ablaze near Lauer Reservoir. Many Modocers noticed a helicopter flying in that direction with its bucket attached, which caused some concern about a potentially larger fire. The helicopter was needed due to the location of the burning tree. It could not be accessed by engine or by foot without hiking in, so the helicopter flew a crew in to begin working on containment. Later, it returned with the bucket to help the crews gain control. Suzi Johnson, the U.S. Forest Service Modoc’s Public Affairs Specialist, said, “The fire was less than a tenth of an acre and is currently contained, controlled, and being monitored closely.”
