Fire started by lightning above Woodside 50 acres, 10% contained

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. - Nearly two dozen lightning-caused fires were discovered on Tuesday following overnight storms, according to Cal Fire.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jonathan Cox said 22 fires were identified across Northern California from the Lake Shasta area to Santa Cruz County. He estimates the region saw more than 1,000 lightning strikes.

One of those lightning-caused fires is called the Skeggs Fire. It broke out about three miles west of Woodside overnight. Cal Fire said they received the call around 7:00 a.m. Tuesday.

“Sometimes when a lightning strike hits, you won’t be able to recognize that there is a fire there for a few days sometimes,” Battalion Chief Brian Ham said. “There is the potential there that more fires could start.”

The Skeggs Fire has burned about 50 acres and was 10 percent contained as of Tuesday evening. More than 200 firefighters were on the ground and had to hike roughly a mile and a half through rugged terrain to get to the flames. Cal Fire said they are also utilizing tankers, helicopters and dozers.

The wind is pushing the fire away from homes in Woodside. There are no evacuation orders in place at this time.

Cox said the fire is expected to be contained on Thursday.