Lightning Sparks Fires, Causes Power Outages
Thunderstorms lashed the Antelope Valley on Thursday, bringing lightning strikes that sparked several fires and caused power outages while rain flooded streets, authorities said.
Lightning struck an abandoned trailer in the 20300 block of East Avenue Q-12 near 203rd Street in Llano shortly after 3 p.m., said Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Ed Loney. The bolt set the trailer ablaze and touched off a one-acre brush fire.
Lightning ignited another brush fire at Highway 138 and 263rd Street E. about 4:05 p.m. Two water-dropping helicopters and 120 firefighters helped put out the blaze, he said. Other fires broke out in Valyermo and throughout the Antelope Valley, Loney said. Rain late in the day helped douse the flames.
About 18,000 Antelope Valley residents lost power Thursday afternoon, said Southern California Edison spokeswoman Alis Clausen. About 2,000 Lancaster residents were without power for 1 1/2 hours, she said.
Edison crews were busy late Thursday attempting to restore power to about 250 residents near Avenues R and 10th Street in Palmdale, Clausen said.
Similar thunderstorms are expected to pass through the Antelope Valley again this afternoon, meteorologist Bruce Rockwell said. Drier weather is expected Saturday.
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