California is on high alert as it faces a dangerous combination of extreme heat and critical fire weather conditions. The state has mobilized significant resources to combat the threat of wildfires, which have been exacerbated by recent dry lightning strikes and gusty winds. Since August 22, over 74,000 lightning strikes have ignited more than 200 new fires across the region. Thanks to proactive measures and rapid response efforts, most of these fires have been contained to under 10 acres.