Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District firefighters have been responding to several reports of small lightning-sparked fires as a result of overnight thunderstorms in Southern Oregon. Between Jackson and Josephine Counties, more than 30 reports of potential fires have been received by our dispatch centers, and crews have confirmed 18 fires, extinguishing five. Another six reports have not been confirmed, and crews will be dispatched to those potential incidents when current assignments are wrapped up.
In Jackson County, the majority of fires are reported on the east side, ranging from the California-Oregon border to Grizzly Peak and Butte Falls. In Josephine County, fires range from the Applegate Valley to Deer Creek, Sexton Mountain and Wolf Creek. The largest is south of Butte Falls, estimated to be ¾ of an acre.
More than 100 firefighters between both counties are available and responding to these reported fires. Resources available include engines, crews, and aircraft. All staff will remain engaged into this evening, when another system may bring additional thunderstorms through the Rogue Valley. As the weather begins to warm up, fire starts from lightning have the potential to flare up in the heat, and new starts may materialize. All staff at the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District are prepared to respond to these reports.
Updates are also available on our Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest.