More than 1,500 lightning strikes ignite 81 fires

<p>SACRAMENTO— State fire officials say that more than 1,500 lightning strikes ignited 81 fires in northern and central California over the weekend, but most are contained.</p><p>Department of Fire and Forestry Protection officials said Sunday more fires are likely because of the lack of rain and possible future lightning strikes.</p><p>Spokesman Daniel Berlant says the agency's Santa Clara unit is fighting 20 fires covering 200 acres that are 35 percent contained. The fire's progress has been stopped.</p><p>Meanwhile, the agency's Tuolumne-Calaveras unit has fully contained the 200-acre Telegraph Fire near Copperopolis.</p>