Lightning storm sparks several fires as thousands lose power across Central Coast

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Saturday morning's lightning storm started several fires across Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County, as the Central Coast also continues to feel extreme heat.

The unpredictable lightning strikes were reported both in areas seeing heavy rain as well as areas with no rain.

Firefighters scrambled to contain blazes that popped up from Hollister Ranch, through the Santa Ynez Valley and up to the San Luis Obispo and Cayucos areas.

Several trees were also hit by lightning, as was a home in Orcutt, according to Santa Barbara County Fire's Daniel Bertucelli. All caught on fire and forced firefighters to respond.

Bertucelli said firefighters faced brutal conditions.

“Extremely hot. Very humid,” he said. “They’re drinking lots of water. And when necessary, they are taking frequent breaks.”

As of 3 p.m. Saturday, all brush fires in Santa Barbara County had forward progress stopped. All remained small (seven acres or less) and under control.

The Whale Fire near Cayucos, however, exploded to 120 acres and began threatening structures.

Power outages were widespread Saturday, affecting thousands across mid-Santa Barbara County and northward.

The power issue forced businesses to close and others to struggle through another sweltering hot day with no electricity.

Bertucelli says even without any lightning strikes, the extreme heat will keep fire risk high.

“With the 100-degree-plus temperatures, we are anticipating that we will get more vegetation fires in [Santa Barbara] County,” he said. “The good news is we are fully staffed—both ground resources as well as aircraft.”