BOISE -- The Boise District BLM is on stand-by because of a red flag warning in effect Monday night for wildfires.
They especially are on the lookout for lightning strikes.
Boise BLM isn't just working out in the field to fight fires, they have personnel staffed at their dispatch center near the airport to constantly monitor weather conditions.
When a red flag warning is issued, they say it is critical to be aware of exactly what's going on the minute it happens.
KTVB got a look at one of their computerized lighting maps.
If they see lightning has hit, dispatchers will then call their lookouts, who are stationed on top of four mountains throughout the Boise BLM district.
The lookouts will watch for smoke and if a fire breaks out, crews are ready to respond.
BLM helicopters and planes can also get an aerial view of the area to see if anything has ignited.
Brandon Hampton works with the Boise District BLM. He says lightning is a main concern because it is so hot, and dry.
"Lightning strikes are extremely powerful. It's been equated to having the temperature of the surface of the sun. It's that hot," Hampton said. "The fuel right now is receptive to those kinds of strikes. It's been hot, it's been dry and there's a lot of fuel out there so any strike we have is most likely going to start a fire if it's not accompanied by rain."
Lightning strikes can immediately spark a fire, or we learned, depending on the fuel type, it can smolder and smoke for several days until it's actually visible.
The red flag warning expires at midnight on Monday, but that could be extended into Tuesday if the system is still around.
