Local News

Approximately 130 lightning strikes hit lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry on the eastern side of Jackson County last night.

Due to the active thunder cells, ODF could only put up a reconnaissance flight for a short time just before dark in the Prospect area. The air attack platform was able to spot a few small fires on US Forest Service land.

ODF sent resources to investigate two reported fires close to private land. One of them -- the Sunshine Fire -- could not be found. The Highway 140 Mile Marker 21 Fire was located after a couple of hours of hiking. Crews estimated it was a half-acre on a steep slope with the majority of the fire being a large hazardous tree. Tree fallers were headed out to fall it and allow firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

A new recon flight was conducted this morning across the entire affected strike area. Lightning fires typically begin to grow in warmer conditions, so numerous flights will be made throughout the day as temperatures heat up. ODF Detection Center staff will also be scanning these areas and engines will be in their patrol areas to allow for a fast response. All days off have been canceled to ensure all resources are available.

The National Weather Service in Medford has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for much of Jackson and Josephine counties that ends at 8 p.m. today as well as a Red Flag Warning for the affected area from 1 to 8 p.m., with more thunderstorms in the forecast. Hot, gusty winds that come with these storms can limit ODF's ability to use aircraft and naturally increase fire behavior.

Help prevent new fires from starting -- especially while firefighters are engaged on incidents caused by lightning that could not have been prevented.