WeatherWhys for September 21,2016 from accuweather.com

While all thunderstorms produce lightning, not every thunderstorm will wet the ground below. If the air close to the surface is dry enough, the rain will evaporate before reaching the ground. These dry thunderstorms, which are common in the western United States during the warmer months, pose a serious fire danger. Without rain, any lightning that strikes the dry vegetation on the ground can easily spark fires. Gusty winds being whipped up by the thunderstorms can then spread any new or existing blazes.