Yesterday’s freak thunderstorms in the east county, which were serious enough to activate the Emergency Alert System, passed most of us by unnoticed. But fire commanders throughout the region certainly had to pay attention. The Klamath National Forest recorded over 500 lightning strikes to its dry, tinder-like land, some of which sparked small, active fires that crews are currently working to control.

Meanwhile, resources were diverted from the Butler Fire in the Six Rivers National Forest to battle a small fire northeast of Hoopa that surged to life yesterday. Helicopters working the 20,000-acre Butler flew across the ridges and quickly knocked down the new blaze, on Beaver Creek.

The National Weather Service has a “red flag warning” in effect for the mountain area. More thunderstorms are expected.

The rest of your fire roundup below:

CORRAL COMPLEX FIRES 

Separate post coming shortly.

BUTLER FIRE

The region’s biggest fire has grown to over 20,000 acres and is still only 40 percent contained. The town of Forks of Salmon — 100 residents or so — is still under an evacuation advisory, meaning that residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Salmon River Road is still closed.

Rains from yesterday’s storms have slowed the progress of the fire somewhat, but they’re still classifying its potential for growth as “high.” The estimated full containment date remains Sept. 15.

Full details and updates from incident commanders at this Inciweb link.

SALMON RIVER COMPLEX

Out east of the Butler Fire, the Salmon River Complex, which grew to over 14,000 acres, is winding down south of the Marble Mountains. Evacuation advisories have been lifted. The fire is now 95 percent contained, and is expected to be fully contained by the end of the day.

Some road closures are still in effect for non-residents. Clean-air centers are available for residents who are having trouble breathing due to heavy smoke. Full details and updates at this Inciweb page.