Long Beach firefighters extinguish a smoldering fire that was cut out of a pine tree at Recreation park Golf Course Monday morning. Firefighters said they believe the tree was struck by lightning during an early morning storm. Photo courtesy of Long Beach Fire Department.
 
2:45pm | Storms accompanying the exit of winter and the arrival of spring this morning left a tree smoldering at a Long Beach golf course after it apparently was struck by lightning, Long Beach firefighters said.

Long Beach Fire Department Engine No. 4 responded to a call for service this morning at about 8:54 a.m. regarding a tree fire at Recreation Park Golf Course, said firefighter Matthew Dobberpuhl, who also serves as a spokesman for LBFD.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, golf course employees directed them to a large pine tree located between the seventh and eighth fairways. The employees said that a golfer had reported that smoke was coming from a fire that had been smoldering in the branches about 30 feet up the 80- to 100-foot pine, Dobberpuhl said.

Considering the thunderstorm that rolled through the city early this morning, firefighters determined that the fire was likely caused by lightning.

After climbing a ladder to the affected area of the tree, firefighters cut down the affected branches and extinguished the fire, he said.

No one was injured.

The LBFD reminds the community to avoid the following during thunderstorms:

  • Natural lightning rods, such as tall, isolated trees in open areas;
  • Hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water;
  • isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas; and
  • anything metal, including tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs and bicycles.

Additional information on the hazards associated with thunderstorms and lightning, as well as a list of stpes to be taken to protect oneself, can be found by clicking here.


A Long Beach firefighter douses the smoldering part of a pine tree that was cut out after catching fire Monday morning. Firefighters believe the tree at Recreation Park Golf Course was struck by lightning during this morning’s storm. Photo courtesy of Long Beach Fire Department.