Approximately 20 days a year lighting occurs in the Quinault mountains compared to 5 days on the coast during the summer months. Lightning storms are rare but have been known to be very fierce. Jump fires start when the tree tops are ignited, catch fire and burn from the top down killing them. Wind blows these hot embers, as they jump from tree to tree.  Dry thick moss and feet of deep peat forest floor catch as the burning limbs and embers reach  the bottom.  These fires can cause huge widespread damage.