The U.S. Forest Service says that lightning is to blame for six fires that broke out this week in the Sequoia National Forest. 

The fires broke out Monday and Tuesday during thunderstorms. 

Lightning has caused more than 15 fires across districts since July. Fire officials say both the Schaeffer and Caldwell fires are thought to have been caused by lightning strikes as well.    

Both fires charred 17,000 thousand acres.