Lightning strikes reported across Santa Ynez Valley, firefighters responding to multiple fires

SOLVANG, Calif. - Santa Ynez Valley residents woke up to lightning and loud rumblings of thunder Saturday morning, adding to already increased fire danger as a heatwave sweeps the Central Coast and the state.

Santa Barbara County Fire was responding to two brush fires in the Los Alamos and Alisal Guest Ranch areas within about an hour of the storm starting. Fire Captain Daniel Bertucelli said lightning had been seen in the area where the fires started.

County Fire reported the Alisal Guest Ranch fire is about 30 feet in size located on the 1000 block of Alisal Road in Solvang. The fire was reported around 8:40 a.m.

At this time, the Los Alamos fire has burned about 2 acres off Drum Canyon Road near the 400 block of Centennial Street. This fire was reported just after 9 a.m.

At least seven more fires popped up throughout the Santa Maria Valley as the morning progressed. Santa Barbara County Fire crews worked alongside San Luis Obispo firefighters to respond to each flare-up.

County Fire said some were brush fires and others were structure fires, all connected with lightning strikes in the area.

SLO County firefighters have also been busy Saturday morning with multiple 911 calls as the thunderstorm continues north.

The National Weather Service said thunderstorms were continuing across western Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties Saturday. Not much rain was expected to reach the ground, but forecasters were concerned about dry lightning and gusty winds.

PG&E wildfire cameras captured rain moving through the valley, followed by lightning and thunder.

This is a developing story and will be updated.