The Lava Fire started on 6/24/21 by lightning and is burning northeast of the community of Weed. Below average winter snowpack and very hot, dry windy conditions created burning conditions similar to those normally experienced in August. Diurnal winds and drought conditions are contributed to the northeast and eastern fire spread. Challenges to firefighters included steep, rocky terrain, limited road access to the fire, and limited water sources near the fire. The fire spread by short range spotting and single and group tree torching through grass, brush and scattered
