Tiny Creek Fire (Image Barry Shullanberger, USFS)

South Central Oregon Wildland Firefighters Continue Response to Three Days of Persistent Lightning Caused Fires

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – South central Oregon wildland firefighters responded to a third day of persistent lightning caused fires.

During the last 24 hours wildland firefighters responded to another nine confirmed lightning caused fires. This brings the total to 58 fires in the last 72 hours. Over 2,000 lightning strikes in the last three days kept firefighters working as a team to coordinate a response to each fire start.

The 50 acre Blue Creek Fire is located at the south western base of Spodue Mountain and is now the largest incident from the last 72 hours. Oregon Department of Forestry responded to the fire with assistance from Fremont-Winema National Forest. One heavy air tanker, five Single Engine Air Tankers, three helicopters, 10 firefighting engines, two water tenders and two bulldozers were used in the full suppression response. The fire is now 15% contained and firefighting efforts continue.

Firefighters continue hold the Holbrook fire at 41 acres, which is located approximately eight miles south east of Gerber Reservoir. Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management is the lead agency. Firefighters continued their full suppression response with assistance from Fremont-Winema National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry. The Holbrook fire is now 25% contained.

Although only seven acres, the Tiny Creek fire was also of note due to fire managers deciding to utilize a managed fire technique to control the fire. The lightning caused fire is approximately eight miles west of the Highway 97 and 138 junction near Chemult. Fire mangers analyzed the fire and made the determination that conditions were conducive to allow the fire to reduce dangerous fuels in the area, similar to a prescribed fire. Fire crews utilized existing roads as control lines and actively managed the fire by bringing it out to the establishing control lines. Firefighters allowed the fire to consume the heavier fuels and ensured no hot spots threaten the line. Crews will continue to suppress any lingering embers over the next few days.

Over the past three days, partnerships at all levels allowed for the effective response demonstrated by all partner agencies to the numerous lightning caused fires.

Press release provided by South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.

Klamath Falls News coverage of the 2018 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Excel Auto Body.

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