Destruction Caused By Lightning

Lightning sets about 10,000 forest fires every year in the United States. These fires begin when lightning strikes dry “fuel”. The dry fuel can be dry grass, shrubs, leaves, branches, and brush among others.

During the dry season, these fires will rage continuously feeding on everything in sight. This high volume of destruction causes approximately $100 million in losses from fires started by lightning.

To learn more facts about weather and climate, please visit our Weather & Climate Facts page.