While the recent high amounts of rain, hail and high winds aren't anybody's idea of a great time, the wild weather has severely limited the potential for lightning storms to start fires according to the MIA Zone Rural Fire Service.
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An initial storm on December 18 started six separate fires as a result of lightning strikes, showcasing how the extreme energy can rapidly ignite fields and trees.
The dedicated work of the RFS quickly contained the fires though, and acting district manager Scott Connor said that the new growth will assist in limiting spread.
"Our first lot went through on December 18. From that, we had six fires start from that - four of them in stubble paddocks and two in bush areas," he explained.
"There was one on January 5. That was down south, just southeast of Hay. That was a grass fire, that was three hectares so that was fairly small as well."
Mr Connor added that lightning starting fires inside trees was still a concern, but that they were not worried about any potential spread.
"There is a potential. We were concerned about the recent lightning with fires burning in trees but the country where that happens has had so much rain... grass grows underneath and there's a lot of green," he said.
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"Even if lightning gets the tree, the tree might burn down but it won't catch. Everything is wet, the moisture in the fuel is high so it's unlikely to ignite."
With more storms on the way, he said it was important to still monitor property for storm damage and let emergency services know of any incidents.
"If there's a storm, stay inside and check for smoke. Once the storm passes, check your surroundings and contact the SES if you need help with storm damage."
For help with storm damage, the Griffith SES is available at 132 500. If life is in immediate danger, please contact 000.
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