As a nearly 30,000-acre wildfire burned near Hemet, California, on Friday, officials were waiting to see whether an unusual weather phenomenon would prove to be friend or foe.
The sky surrounding the Fairview fire had become a steel gray by early afternoon, making it difficult to distinguish the billowing smoke from incoming tropical storm clouds, which officials said were bringing dangerous winds but also some rain that could assist firefighting efforts.
It was not yet clear whether Tropical Storm Kay would further intensify the Fairview fire — with possible lightning strikes, strong winds and the added danger of flooding — or bring just enough moisture to help quell the flames. Light rain Friday afternoon dampened some freshly burned land near Avery Canyon, though officials said more severe storms remain a worry.
