Lightning sparks multiple wildfires in angeles national forest

On August 23, 2025, several small fires were ignited in the Angeles National Forest in California due to a series of lightning strikes. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for specific mountainous regions of Los Angeles County, marking the conditions as extreme due to prolonged heat and dry fuel sources. This warning was effective until 9 p.m. on the same day. The fires began in various locations, prompting immediate responses from U.S. Forest Service firefighters as they battled the flames from Mt. Baldy to areas near Antelope Valley. The first fire was reported shortly after 9 a.m. along Mt. Baldy Road, where firefighters responded to a tree fire. By 9:30 a.m., additional fires were reported southwest of Littlerock, near Mt. Emma Road and 47th Street East. A third fire, known as the Table Fire, emerged just west of Wrightwood, near Table Mountain. Firefighters from Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County as well as the Forest Service were mobilized to combat these wildfires. Overall, as of 11 a.m., officials indicated that there were no immediate threats to life or property, although the situation remained volatile. The weather contributed significantly to the predominantly dry conditions, which made the vegetation more susceptible to fires. According to the National Weather Service, the heightened fire risk was compounded by sporadic thunderstorms across the area, which could ignite additional fires. Thunderstorm chances varied from 20% in Los Angeles to as high as 65% in Big Bear Lake, suggesting that the region would continue to be challenged by unpredictable weather that could exacerbate fire danger. Firefighters remained vigilant throughout the weekend, given that the potential for lightning strikes and fires could occur after the Red Flag Warning was lifted. Fire officials urged residents to remain cautious and aware of changing weather patterns that could influence fire behavior, especially as conditions have proven to support rapid fire growth. As thunderstorms were predicted to continue, officials highlighted the need for preparedness should fire ignition occur, which could further threaten the safety of communities and nearby properties.