(20:45) MONTEREY- Last weeks lightning storm is thought to be responsible for several wildfires around the central coast. The relatively dry thunder storm cut across the area between 8 p.m. and midnight last Thursday and according to the National Weather Service caused close to 1000 reported lightning strikes. Fire crews responded six fires in Monterey County and two more in San Benito County. A Calfire spokesperson said residents in lightning strike areas should be aware that fires can start as long as a week after the storm passes through.
pmd