The CZU August Lightning Complex began on the morning of August 16th during a dry lightning event that affected much of Northern California. Temperatures ranged from 105 to 108 degrees for the highs, with relative humidity readings in single digits. The fires, initially affecting remote areas with limited access grew quickly, fueled by a combination of record-high temperatures, low relative humidity and very dry fuels. The fire area included a mix of private and Federal lands, all within State DPA.
