CLE ELUM, Wash.- Fire investigators from the Department of Natural Resources and Kittitas County Fire Marshal Office have determined the cause of the Big Lake Fire of Lambert Road, in a press release via Facebook.

According to the investigators, the fire was caused by a lightning strike on the east side of Lambert Road.

Upon further investigation, fulgurite was found at the ignition location.

Fulgurite is formed when a lightning strike hits sand or rock at extreme heat (up tp 50,000 Fahrenheit) fusing and melting the material, thus "fossilizing" the path of the bolt.

Fulgurite is rare and delicate, "petrified lighting."

See Full Page