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.
Many animals and other organisms have evolved to cope withâand even thrive in the wake ofâthe flames. Summer heat, dry air, strong winds, and thousands of lightning strikes have ignited and spread at least 21 separate fires for about a week, burning almost a million acres. Oregon and Washington declared states of emergency last week. (See Wildfires Intensify in Pacific Northwest as Winds Rise.)