SHADY COVE, Ore. (June 10, 2021) – The first fire caused by a lightning strike from the thunderstorm that swept through the Rogue Valley on Wednesday is now 100% contained. The Sawyer Fire, located on Sawyer road northwest of Shady Cove, was lined and contained at 1/10th of an acre. It was spotted during a reconnaissance flight over areas that had taken lightning strikes just after 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Initially, there was thought to be two fires; however once on scene, firefighters determined there was only one. Four engines responded to the Sawyer fire and quickly established a line around it, mopping it up shortly after. As the fire was moving slowly and there weren’t any structures threatened, evacuations were never put in place.
While this is the first fire ignited from Wednesday’s storm, it likely won’t be the last; ODF Southwest Oregon District resources, including the Detection Center, will be continuing to monitor lightning-struck areas for potential holdover fires in the coming weeks. It’s very typical for fires to ignite in warmer weather in the days following thunderstorms. Residents in these areas are advised to report sightings of smoke by calling 911.
Fire updates are available on Facebook, @ODFSouthwest.