From the top of Stukel Mountain, looking toward the northeast. Smoke can be seen toward the area of Bly Mountain / Bonanza. June 13, 2019. (Image, Brian Gailey / Klamath Falls News).

Firefighters confirmed six additional lightning fires yesterday afternoon. This brings the total to 16 lightning-caused fires with a combined acreage of fewer than five acres as of last night. The largest fire is 1.5 acres. There are firefighting resources on all 16 fires.

Fremont-Winema National Forest – four confirmed fires.
Bureau of Land Management – six confirmed fires.
Oregon Department of Forestry – six confirmed fires

Three of the fires are in the Bly area, with the closest being three miles to the west of town. While the fires are small, there is visible smoke.

Additional isolated thunderstorms were predicted overnight.

Depending on the amount of moisture associated with the thunderstorms and the vegetation types on the ground, it can take several days for smoke to become visible from a lightning-caused wildfire. Firefighters refer to these fires as “holdovers.” Firefighters may be responding to new starts and holdovers throughout the weekend and early into next week.

Area residents and visitors can report suspected wildfires by calling the Lakeview Interagency Fire Center at 541-947-6315.

Public and firefighter safety is the top priority for all SCOFMP personnel.

As a reminder, Oregon Department of Forestry declared fire season early this week for Klamath and Lake Counties.

The “Fire Season in effect” declaration puts into place regulations restricting debris burning and timber harvest operations. For more information on the declaration of fire season and the restrictions in place, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx

While firefighters are busy responding to lightning fires, it’s even more important to remember to always make sure your campfire is dead out and never leave a campfire unattended.

More information will be shared as lightning fire response continues in the coming days.

Klamath Falls News coverage of the 2019 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.

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