Numerous lightning-induced fires are erupting in Northern California as thunderstorms pepper the region amid a scorching heat wave. Both red-flag warnings for high fire danger and excessive-heat warnings are in effect from far Northern California into Oregon, and the Weather Service is warning that any fires that develop “have a high probability of spreading rapidly.” More ignitions are possible through Thursday, with a chance of storms lingering into the weekend. … Given the hot, unstable conditions, thunderstorm updrafts can intensify any blazes already burning. Outflow winds between 40 and 60 mph — essentially the exhaust from thunderstorms — are possible Wednesday afternoon and evening, potentially causing dangerous fire spread.

Related articles: 

• Public Policy Institute of California: Blog – Californians are worried about wildfires
• US Forest Service: Blog - Protecting water from fire​
• New York Times: Following the science, above the ground and below