Skip to content Skip to footer

Lightning Safety

August 7, 2024

Olympia Lightning-caused fire incidents and injuries are a consistent seasonal concern in many areas of the United States. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there were 5,883 wildfires ignited by lightning strikes in 2023, with 882 of those occurring within the Northwest Region of the country. The National Weather Service reports an average of 20 fatal lightning strikes and hundreds of injuries annually.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to take the following safety precautions during lightning storms:

    • Get indoors and stay inside, if possible.
    • If you are outside and hear thunder, seek shelter. If you are unable to seek shelter, avoid open spaces.
    • If caught outside in a group, spread out and avoid tall objects.
    • Avoid using or being near water.
    • Do not use or unplug electronics.
    • Stay away from windows, doors, and porches.
    • If you feel your hair stand on end, crouch down in a ball-like position with your feet together, minimizing contact with the ground. Do not lie flat, as this increases your risk of being affected by potential ground currents from a nearby lightning strike.
    • After the lightning storm has passed, wait an additional 30 minutes before returning outdoors.
    • If someone is struck by lightning or a fire starts, call 911.

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904.

###

Release sent by Deputy State Fire Marshal Mikaila Hayes

Contact us

Mailing Address
Washington State Patrol
PO Box 42600
Olympia, WA 98504

Physical Address
Washington State Patrol
Helen Sommers Building
106 11th Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501

Wsp accessibility

The Washington State Patrol is firmly committed to providing an environment that provides the public fair and equal treatment and equal access to its benefits, programs and services as required by state and federal laws. If you require reasonable accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act, or would like to file a grievance please click on the following link:  WSP Public Accessibility and Grievance Process

Follow us

© 2025 Washington State Patrol.