With rain in the forecast for areas recently affected by fire, the threat of flooding is ever-present. Ground that has recently seen major burns does not absorb water very well, leading to an increase in fire chances in many areas of San Bernardino County affected by the lake fire. NBC Los Angeles Reports as follows:

“Desert and mountain areas will likely see the most significant shower and thunderstorm activity. The storms increase the chance for lightning-sparked wildfires and flooding in the Lake Fire burn area in the San Bernardino County mountains…

…The threat of flooding will continue early this week.

Floodwaters can carry trees, large rocks, gravel, ash and other debris.

Lightning strikes also brought the risk of more wildfires during an active fire season. Hundreds of lightning strikes overnight sparked three dozen new wildfires in Northern California, authorities said Sunday.

The 36 blazes triggered by 800 lightning strikes were small and quickly put out, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The agency reports 2,486 wildfires since the start of the year, compared with 2,030 during the same period last year. The state averages about 1,650 wildfires from January to mid-June.

Temperatures will be in the 70s and 80s, accompanied by humid conditions throughout Southern California.”