CG lightning can occur with both positive and negative polarity. The polarity is that of the charge in the region that originated the lightning leaders. An average bolt of negative lightning carries an electric current of 30,000 amperes (30 kA), and transfers 15 coulombs of electric charge and 500 megajoules of energy.
Statewide, 19 wildfires greater than 1,000 acres in area are currently raging, according to the NIFC. The active fires have ravaged more than 630,000 acres, destroying approximately 200 homes and threatening another 12,000, according to Washington state officials.
The number of forest fires in British Columbia has nearly doubled and some of the blazes are so close to homes that evacuations have been ordered. Kevin Skrepnek, chief fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, said 115 new fires started on Monday, bringing the total number burning in the province to 266. Skrepnek said âthe vast majorityâ of the new fires were started by lightning.