Authorities say the booming overnight lightning strikes that kept many people up Thursday night have sparked several small brush fires in the Santa Barbara County back-country. No residents or buildings are threatened. The biggest fire is about 10-acres in size burning near Tepusquet and Santa Maria Mesa Roads. The second fire is also burning in the Tepusquet Canyon area, farther to the east, near Buckhorn Ridge, off Highway 166. Captain Eli Iskow says roads in the area have been closed as fire equipment is moved on site. Firefighters are expecting to have the fire contained by sunset Friday evening.

SLO COUNTY FIRES:

On Friday, August 15, 2008, at approximately 7:00 A.M. a thunderstorm moved through the San Luis Obispo Area causing multiple lighting fires:

1. The Orcutt Fire in Morretti Canyon. The Orcutt Fire was approximately 37 acres of grass and oak woodlands and CAL FIRE crews have contained and extinguished the fire and will be on watch overnight and tomorrow morning.

2. The Cuesta Fire at the base of the Cuesta Grade. The Cuesta Fire was approximately 8-10 acres of grass and CAL FIRE crews have contained and extinguished this fire.

3. The Horton Fire above San Luis High School. The Horton Fire was a 50’ X 50’ spot of grass. San Luis City Fire and CAL FIRE have contained and extinguished this fire.

4. The Edna Fire at Edna Ranch Circle. The Edna Fire was a small spot of grass put out by PG&E.

5. The Coyote Fire in Suey Creek area. The Coyote Fire was a small spot of grass extinguished by CAL FIRE.

6. The Round Fire on the ridge to the East of Orcutt Road one mile South of the Orcutt Fire. The Round Fire is an approximately 3.5 acres in grass CAL FIRE crews have contained and extinguished the fire.